Rival, Alvin John V.

Archist 4 MWF 1:30-2:30 PM

Imperial Palace
The long Chinese feudal society saw the construction of numerous palaces, built to
satisfy the emperors' extravagant lifestyles and protect the stateliness of their
reign. Served as the venue where public affairs were dealt with and where the royal
family lived, the construction of palaces emphasized on the splendorous
appearance and regular layout. From the E'pang Palace of the Qin Dynasty (221BC-
206BC), Weiyang Palace of the Han Dynasty (206BC-220) to the Forbidden City of
the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the scale of Chinese imperial palaces became larger
and larger. Most of them are axial symmetrical, with splendid buildings standing at
the middle axis and smaller attached houses located along both sides.
The Forbidden City is a typical example. The general layout often follows two
rules: the first being the ancestral temples must be situated at the front left of the
main palace as the left is believed to be superior, while the front right was reserved
for altars for praying to the gods of earth and grain. It is called 'Zuozu Youshe' in
Chinese. The second being emperors handled national affairs at the palace's
forecourt while the rear end was meant for living. In Chinese, this structure is called
'Qianchao Houqin'. Many distinctive characters were incorporated to indicate the
imperial palace. For example, a pair of stone or copper lion often crouches in front
of the main gate to ward off evil influence. Ornamental columns, carved with
exquisite floral designs, soured into the sky. In the Forbidden City, auspicious jars
filled with water were placed in front of the palace. They were not only decorative
but also serve as fire-extinguishers. Because of this important function, they were
nicknamed 'Menhai', the sea of the front door.
Imperial Mausoleum Architecture
It is another important component of Chinese imperial architecture, revealing the
imposing majestic manner of royalty. Chinese emperors hoped to continue their
luxurious imperial life after death. Stately mausoleums hence were built to satisfy
their greed. Many were built with a sacred pathway before the tomb and at the
underground palace. How they were been built were very much dynasty-influenced,
especially the economy, social ideology and taste of the period then. For instance,
before the Western Zhou Dynasty (11th century BC-771BC), coffins with exterior
wooden enclosure were popular. The Qin and Han Dynasty emphasized very much
on large scales and hence, many imperial tombs were built into an earth pyramid
with a wide base. Emperor Qin's Tomb is a typical representation of this.
The mausoleum of Emperor Taizong of Tang Dynasty, Zhao Mausoleum features the
characteristics of mausoleum style during the Tang Dynasty, which was to set it
against a mountain. The Qing Dynasty is the glorious period in the history of
Chinese ancient mausoleum as it added the idea of the harmonious unity of
mausoleum construction with nature. The Eastern Qing Tombs, the largest tomb
complex in China, is worth visiting if exploring the mausoleum culture of the Qing
Dynasty interests you.
Imperial Garden Architecture
It mainly has three characteristics: stylish, super splendor scales and harmonious
unity of human with nature. Among the countless amazing gardens of the Tang
Dynasty (618-907), the most significant one is the Huaqing Palace, where the
romantic story of Emperor Xuanzong and his concubine Yangyuhuan took place. A
number of fine halls and pavilions were erected, rows upon rows, along Lishan
Mountain dotted with beautiful flowers. It is indeed an elegant sight during sunset.
More functions were added to the imperial gardens in the Qing Dynasty. Emperors
were not satisfied by merely living and playing in gardens. They made gardens
venues for theatre-going and praying. Big and small picturesque gardens were just
like precious stones dotted about. Summer Palace, one of the four famous gardens
in China, symbolizes the highest achievement of the imperial garden during the
Qing Dynasty. The present famous gardens also include: Beihai Park in Beijing and
The Mountain Resort of Chengde.
Tradition Chinese Residences
Traditional Chinese residences reflect the national culture, the sub-culture of a
specific region and that of the ethnic group within it. The traditional domestic
architecture of China has five major styles.

Courtyards in Beijing (Siheyuan) or compounds with courtyards in northern China

Farmers' Caves (Yaodong) in Northern Shaanxi Province
Earthen Buildings of Hakkas (Tulou) in southeast China's Fujian Province
Seal-like Compound (Yikeyin) in Yunnan province
Stilt Houses (Diaojiaolou) on steep inclines or projecting over water in southern
China

As well as their respective features, traditional residences tend to conform to their

environment and to become integrated with it. They are expected to blend with the
surrounding rivers and mountains, thus complimenting but never spoiling the
natural beauty. Our ancestors made use of local materials and took the natural
factors into consideration whenever they built a house.
The Si he yuan in northern China features a thick roof and walls and a wide
courtyard to draw in maximum sunlight while ventilation is a prime feature of the
diao jiao lou in the much warmer tropical climate of southern China.
The Si he yuan in Beijing reflects the formal royal ambiance with its symmetrical
style while garden-residences such as the famous Garden of the Master of the
Nets in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, gives priority to a harmonious blend with
nature. Prince Gong's Mansion in Beijing is the world's largest Si he yuan. Si He Yuan
vary substantially in different locations. For details, please refer to: Beijing's Hutong
and Courtyard , Qiao's Compound and Wang's Compound in Pingyao, and Dang
Village in Hancheng around Xian of Shaanxi Province.
In calligraphy, the Chinese characters with a roof-like component relate to various
houses. For example, with a pig, it is a home; with a cow, it is a prison; with a
combination of two mouths it means 'many houses' - it is palace. Such characters
combined with that for ' woman' imply peace and safety. The logic behind this is
based on two layers of meaning. Firstly, when a woman sits peacefully at home, it
means there is no war. Secondly, when they lived in simple caves in open air, our
ancestors faced the hazards of bad weather, wild animals and hostile tribes. By
building houses, they were better protected, thus there was safety.

Chinese Garden Architecture

Northern Imperial Garden

With material resources and generous financial support combined with supreme
power, emperors were able to construct Imperial Gardens with almost unlimited
extravagance. Designers placed emphasis on the harmonious unity of architecture
with nature which contributed to the decision to construct many gardens in scenic
mountain areas. In northern China, Beijing is one of the better known areas for
these beautiful gardens. Summer Palace and Old Summer Palace (Ruins of
Yuanmingyuan) are typical examples of this period. Gentle babbling brooks
meander through delicate palaces, pavilions, platforms, and bridges. Large lakes
shimmering in the early morning or late afternoon sun, where fish swim delightfully
in and out of duckweeds add to the incredible beauty of the pleasant surroundings.
When one is confronted with all of this fine architecture, it is easy to appreciate the
high level craftsmanship that went into the construction of these magnificent
gardens.
The gardens in the south are smaller but no less exquisite. The area in South China
although rich in water resources is somewhat limited in the land area that could be
used for private gardens. As a result of these phenomena, the owners were put in
the position where they skillfully and cleverly constructed their private gardens
according to their own personal tastes. Southern gardens are simpler and more
elegant, like a shy girl waiting for you to take away her veiling. Designers were also
good at selecting colors such as dark grey tiles to cover the house roofs, while walls
were painted white. Wooden pillars were colored dark brown or greenish black that
blended with the bridges, pavilions and corridors that were made of natural stone.
The whole scenery presents a peaceful and pleasant atmosphere. Famous gardens
belonging to this type are popular in Jiangsu Province. Some of the more noteworthy
would be Garden of the Master of Nets, Li Garden, Blue Wave Pavilion, Lion Grove,
Garden for Lingering, and Humble Administrator's Garden.
Chinese Buddhist Architecture
Buddhist Temples
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.
The architectural styles of Buddhist temples in China were mainly formed in three
periods: Han Dynasty (206BC-220), Northern and Southern Dynasties (386-589),
and Tang Dynasty (618-907). The first period sees the retention of Indian styles. In
the second period, wooden framework was added to the original styles. In the third
period, the styles of Buddhist temples were totally Sinicized and the pavilion-like
pagoda, which is unique to China, became popular.

Pagoda
As the symbol of Buddhism where people climb to have a bird's-eye-view, it is often
erected in temples. 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. Initially, the pagoda served as the central axis alongside which rows of halls
and monks' rooms spread out. Later, pagodas were built near the main palace hall.
Grotto
It is another type of Buddhist architecture, which is often chiseled into cliffs. In the
3rd century, Chinese Buddhists began to build grottoes and Xinjiang is the first area
where grottoes were hewn. Grottoes are decorated with painted sculptures, carvings
and frescos. Craftsmen revealed real life pictures and their understanding of society
in these art works, which gave them great historical and cultural value. The four
famous grottoes in China are: Mogao Caves, Longmen Grottoes, Yungang Grottoes
and Maiji Caves. They are well preserved and attract many visitors from home and
abroad.
Taoist Architecture
Taoist architecture includes temples, palaces, nunneries, altars and huts where
religious activities are performed and the power that envelopes and flows through
all things, living and non-living, is worshipped. Similar to Buddhist architecture, it
can be divided into holy halls for sacrifice, altars to pray at, houses to live in, rooms
to chant scriptures in according to their use. But the difference is that Taoist
architectural style is closer to that of worldly buildings. For example, Taoist statues
and wall paintings are more familiar to common people.
Another constructional style follows Taoist theory of five elements and eight
diagrams. A furnace - a stove to refine pills of immortality which are believed to
lengthen one's life - is laid in the center around which other constructions are
distributed according to eight diagrams. All structures are in line forming a strict
constructional system which reflects Taoist thought of the inter-relationship of
Essence, Energy and Spirit.
Taoist architecture is developed from the early palaces, altars and temples in
ancient China. Most Taoist temples are wooden-framed and have garden structures.
Some garden sights are man-made pavilions, towers, walkways and terraces. And
others are mainly based on natural scenery. Quiet and beautiful mountains provide
an unblemished environment in which Taoists can cultivate their inner selves.
Chinese Temples
Temples symbolize the long history and rich culture of China, and are regarded as
valuable art treasures. There are many different religions in China, such as the
Buddhism, Christianity and Islam introduced from other regions, as well as Taoism
and Confucianism, the native-born religions. Of course, temples or houses of
worship of different religions differ. Buddhist temples include a temple, pagoda and
grotto, which are called Si, Ta, and Shiku in Chinese respectively. Taoist architecture
is variously called Gong, Guan or An in Chinese. Confucian temples, such as Kong
Miao, Yonghe Lamasery (Harmony and Peace Palace Lamasery) and the Temple of
Heaven are called Miao, Gong, or Tan in Chinese. An Islamic house of worship is
referred to as a Mosque. Christian churches have also added some Chinese flavor to
them.

Memorial Arch (Paifang)

Paifang symbolizes Chinese culture and has a long history. Early in the middle of the
Spring and Autumn Dynasty (770 BC-476 BC), there was an architectural style,
Hengmen, which was composed of two pillars supporting a beam. This style is
supposed to be the precursor of Paifang. In the past, it was a very serious and
ceremonious event to erect a Paifang.
Paifang can be divided into three types according to their different functions.
'Loyalty' Paifang is used to record a person's merit or great deeds. For example,
Emperor Wanli in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) once ordered a loyalty Paifang to
be built for Wang Xiangqian to honor his contribution to the country. If a person
passed the imperial examinations, his family members would erect a Paifang
because he brought honor to their ancestors. The 'Chastity' arch is built to honor a
woman's loyalty to her husband. Other Paifang may contain little deep meaning;
serving only as a symbol of a street or a village.