The Theory That Man Is An Integral Part Of Nature In Ancient Chinese Architecture

    "The great overall layout of Chinese architecture has already reached its highest level, combining a deep sense of humility towards nature with a noble poetic atmosphere to form an organic pattern that no culture can surpass." This is the evaluation of Chinese architecture by British scholar Joseph Needham. The Chinese nation upholds nature, emphasizing the connection and unity between the Heavenly Way and Humanity, as well as between nature and humans, both in the Confucian "Heavenly Man Interaction" and the Taoist "Law of Nature".

    The theory that man is an integral part of nature has been the core ideology and spiritual essence of the Chinese nation for thousands of years, referring to the close connection and indivisibility of the relationship between heaven and man. Harmony with nature is the universal meaning of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism.

    Unlike Western architecture, which is made of brick and stone, ancient Chinese architecture uses wood as its raw material. In the history of world architecture, ancient Chinese wooden frame architecture is unique and unparalleled. In ancient China, it was believed that gold, wood, water, fire, and earth were the five substances that make up the world. It was believed that wood originated from the earth and thrived endlessly, symbolizing strong vitality. The saying goes, "One Yin and one Yang are the Tao." The ancients believed that trees bear the rain and dew from the sky, grow towards the sun, and are nurtured by the earth. They are the product of the combination of Yin and Yang, and are the best materials for architecture.

    The ancient Chinese believed that architecture utilized and transformed nature. After stone mining, it is not renewable, while trees are still renewable in the nourishment of heaven and earth. Therefore, the ancient people were influenced by the idea of "The theory that man is an integral part of nature" in the selection of building materials.
    The diverse forms of architecture are also the result of ancient people coordinating nature. China has a vast territory, with different geographical locations and climate environments. Under the influence of different geographical features, ancient Chinese architecture with different styles has emerged.