A Brief introduction of Ancient Chinese Architecture

Yanbin ZHUO 22th Jan

• Timeline• Architects• Basic Features• Cases

Royal Palace of Tang Dynasty(ruined)

Shang-Yinca.1766—ca.1122BC

Chouca.1122—221BC

Qin221—207BC

Han206BC—220AD

Six DynastiesCa.220—581AD

Sui581—618AD

Tang618—907AD

Song960—1279AD

Yuan1279—1368AD

Ming1368—1644AD

Ch’ing1644—1912AD

1912—now

Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms

907—960AD

• Time line

Shang-Yinca.1766—ca.1122BC

Chouca.1122—221BC

Qin221—207BC

Han206BC—220AD

Six DynastiesCa.220—581AD

Sui581—618AD

Tang618—907AD

Song960—1279AD

Yuan1279—1368AD

Ming1368—1644AD

Ch’ing1644—1912AD

1912—now

Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms

907—960AD

• Time line

“ 建筑师” Architects

1 Li Jie, Song Dynasty, “Yingzao Fashi”( methods of construction) 2 Ch’ing Dynasty, “Gongcheng Zuofa Zeli”(regulations for building practice)

1 2

1 Liang Sicheng(1901-1972)Main hall of Fouguang Temple

“ 屋顶”（ Wu’ding ） “ Roofs” ： the Fifth Facade

Double eave-gable-hip roof)重檐歇山顶

Main ridge

Double eaveSlope

Gable

重檐 (Double eave roof)

庑殿顶 (hip roof)

歇山顶 (gable and hip roof)

卷棚 (round ridge roof)硬山 (flush gable roof)

悬山 (overhanging gable roof)

庑殿顶 (hip roof) 歇山顶 (gable and hip roof)

攒尖 (pyramidal roof)

圆攒尖 (round pavilion roof)

祈年殿 (Hall of Qinian)

“ 斗拱”（ Dougong ） “ Bracket sets”

At corner, on top of columns, between columns

Bracket set• Connect columns and

roof, load transfer• Extend the eaves• Decoration• A structure resist the

force of earthquake

Arch

Pavilion models inside a hall of Huayan Temple (1038A.D.)

Restore scriptures and Buddha statues

“ 木构架”（ Mugoujia ） “ Timber frame”

Structure of a pavilion

Structure of a hall (timber frame perspective of Foguang

Temple)

Tenon structures

Base

Column

Beam

Bracket --tenon

Cases

Meridian Gate

Gate of Supreme Harmony

Hall of Supreme Harmony

Hall of Supreme Harmony“ 太和殿” (1695A.D.)

Turret of Forbidden City“ 紫禁城角楼” (1420A.D.)

The Great Wall“ 八达岭长城” (1505A.D.)

Yu Tomb ， Ch’ing Dynasty“ 裕陵” (1752A.D.)

Zhuanlunzang Pavilion, Longxing Temple , Hebei“ 河北正定隆兴寺转轮藏阁” (ca 975A.D.)

Hall of Moni, Longxing Temple , Hebei“ 河北正定隆兴寺摩尼殿” (ca 975A.D.)

Main Hall of Fuoguang Temple, Shanxi “ 山西五台山佛光寺大殿” (857A.D.)

The Sakyamuni Pagoda of Fogong Temple山西佛宫寺释迦塔 (1056A.D.)

Beijing Countyard北京四合院

Yao Cave, Loess Plateau, North China“ 下沉式窑洞”

Tradition residential building of An’hui “ 皖南民居”

Fujian Tulou/ Rural dwelling of the Hakka in the mountainous areas in southeastern Fujian“ 福建土楼”