Chinese Buddhist Architecture

The development of Chinese Buddhist architecture can be traced back to the introduction

of Buddhism.It is the successful model for the the Buddhist architecture with Chinese                                                      

characteristics to use the foreign culture with the native culture .The main Buddhist architectural

items include temples, pagodas, and grottos. Buddhist architecture is regarded as a great art

treasure where sculpture, calligraphy and painting combine. Being the spiritual symbols of Buddhism,

they are not only monastic holy places, but also serve as sacred land that can purify souls.

The Buddhist temple is the holy place where Buddhist doctrine is maintained. Differing from

other religions' temples, Chinese Buddhist temples have many characteristics of their own.

For example, similar to Chinese palaces and dwelling houses, they are comprised of a number

of small yards. The oldest temple in China - White Horse Temple is a typical example of this.

Chinese pagoda is an ancient type of Buddhist architecture. Pagodas can be made of stone,

wood, colored glaze or metal. Pagodas have an odd number of layers. Seven-layer and

Nine-layer pagodas are commonly built. The shape of cross-section is rectangular, eight-sided

or even circular. 

Buddhist architecture as a unique system in the traditional Chinese architecture has different

architectural and decorative features from other styles.