Being one of ancient civilizations, whose development dates back five thousand years, China with its architecture and culture attracts the greatest interest of connoisseurs of history and art, and this is associated with such a huge flow of tourists to the Celestial Empire.

History of the development of Chinese architecture

The architecture of China is brightly and colorfully different from all other countries. Wooden structures of their unique shapes fit into the natural background in a unique but harmonious way. The main feature is the smoothly curved shape of the roof. Few people know, but the ancestors of modern multi-storey buildings were Chinese buildings.

Ancient buildings Initially, the essence of construction was as follows: pillars were driven into the ground, then they were connected to each other using horizontally laid beams, a roof was arranged and covered with tiles, and only then walls were built between the pillars, with various selected materials. In fact, the supporting structure was a wooden frame, and this gave stability to the houses in the event of earthquakes.

This type of structure did not interfere with redevelopment inside; a wide variety of materials were used for this without any problems, but it depended on the area. For example, residents of the north used bricks and clay, while residents of the south used reed whips.

The fact that wood was the main material for Chinese architecture for centuries was primarily due to the rich expanses of coniferous forests, and not to the lack of stone (on the contrary, it was one of the first to be produced in this country).

Over time, Chinese architecture began to develop and be divided into several types of buildings, strictly corresponding to the social status of their owner. Then the following restrictions on appearance appeared:

multi-tiered cornice could only be used for palaces and temples;
only a city dweller (with average income) could afford a rectangular shape and five interior rooms;
a room with one common room and a long terrace was intended for village residents.

Next came a difference in the roofs of the houses according to the status of the population: the imperial buildings were covered with golden tiles and decor (various sculptures), and the temples and houses of the city nobility had green roofs.

But at all times there was one thing in common: this is that any houses in China were necessarily built only in accordance with Feng Shui. This teaching teaches that each space has certain zones. They correspond to a separate force: west - to the tiger, east - to the dragon, south - to the red bird, north - to the turtle. Based on this, their harmonious interaction was always calculated.

What was also characteristic of ancient and medieval architecture in China was that preference in construction was given not to individual houses, but to ensembles. Thus, architectural complexes are characteristic of both temples and palaces, and the houses of ordinary residents, for whom collective existence was a priority.

Popular architectural monuments of China

Historical architectural monuments The Celestial Empire, which is hundreds of years old, is the most attractive component of any tourist routes around the country. Beijing is filled with colorful, amazing buildings, despite the fact that it is mostly a modern and crowded metropolis. The excursions are rich and meaningful for those who truly appreciate the stages of development in architecture.

One of the most “important” places is the Niujie Mosque. The date of its construction is 996. It also differs in that it combines two styles. The first one is Chinese: wooden building, with a curved roof, topped with a small turret, and a characteristic facade - red and green, with carved patterns. The second style is Islamic, it is manifested in the ornaments with which the room is decorated from the inside. There is also a prayer hall, where several thousand Muslims living in Beijing flock every day.

The list of “architectural monuments of China” also includes the “Pavilion of Five Dragons” complex, which was once built for the emperor and his family. It is located in a picturesque place, right on the shore of Taye, this is a small local lake, quite suitable for fishing. The pavilion consists of several large gazebos, with characteristic curved roofs in two and three tiers, with decorated carved cornices. The gazebos themselves are connected by small bridges. Everyone who has ever come to these parts is sure to take a photo against the backdrop of a beautiful landscape and a magnificent century-old structure.

On the northern side of the city, tourists are greeted by Yonghegong, this is a Lamaist monastery. The temple combines two main styles - Tibetan and Mongolian, plus a little Chinese. The color of the building is red, the tiles are yellow, everything is richly decorated with carvings and paintings. There is also a pavilion here called “Ten Thousand Fortunes”, and in it there is a statue of Maitreya. This Chinese shrine is known far beyond the monastery; it rises twenty-six meters, and the material for its manufacture was white sandalwood. Now there is a school at the temple where children study Tibetan Buddhism.

Discover the oldest pagoda in the world

The pagoda, which is located in Yingxian County, near the city of Datong, deserves special attention. The structure is characterized by traditional wooden Chinese architecture, and this pagoda is the oldest in the world, dating back to 1056, so it is protected as the most valuable masterpiece of architecture, it is a relic of the Celestial Empire.

The pagoda goes up 67 meters, and this is like a modern house with twenty floors! This is incredible for ancient buildings. From the outside, it seems that there are five floors, but in fact the “cunning” design has nine.

What makes the structure unique is that not a single nail was used during its construction, and all the beams were laid on pillars driven in a circle. Each tier is octagonal, all crossbars form an original pattern. The diameter of the structure was 30 meters.

A stunning sight awaits tourists inside; here the walls are decorated with frescoes, all the drawings on them depict famous supporters of Buddhism. Also, in the pagoda there are several statues of Buddha and Shakyamuni (its height is 11 m).

This ancient pagoda very clearly and accurately, even in photographs, it depicts the architecture of China in all its mystery and splendor.

Modern architecture of China

Today, the architecture of China consists of huge skyscrapers and buildings decorated with modern materials, completely different from those that were actively built until the 20th century, which ultimately became a turning point. And the modern Chinese architecture in the photo shows how “fashionable” designs manage to harmoniously combine with preserved old buildings.

One cannot miss the fact that the Chinese love not only their own colorful architecture, but also buildings that they actively borrow from others. For example, the “Roman Colosseum”, which is located in the town of Tianjin, or not far from Shanghai - the town of Thames, a copy of the English one.

Hong Kong generally amazes with the contrast of its architectural structures. Its “Chinese anthills” are known throughout the world: several skyscrapers are built here close to each other, forming a “house” of several thousand apartments for ordinary residents. But, in an expensive area of the city, there is an amazingly designed twelve-story building with only twelve apartments, each with an area of six thousand square meters.

Shanghai surprises tourists with its famous financial center, which towers over the city a hundred stories high! Thus, we can conclude: modern architecture The Celestial Empire is made up of skyscraper buildings.

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and its attractions

Chinese architecture reached its highest achievements during the reign of the Tang and Song dynasties (VII-XIII centuries). Monumental architecture was distinguished by clear harmony, conviviality and calm grandeur of forms. Cities were built according to a clear plan. They were powerful fortresses surrounded by high walls and deep ditches.

(1) In ancient China, the most typical house design was considered to be frame-and-post, using wood for this purpose. Wooden pillars were installed on the adobe platform, on which longitudinal transverse beams were attached, and on them was a roof covered with tiles. This frame system not only allowed Chinese architects to freely design the walls of the house, but also helped prevent the house from being destroyed during earthquakes. (2) For example, in the northern Shanxi province of China there is a Buddhist temple more than 60 meters high, the frame of which was made of wood. This pagoda is more than 900 years old, but it has been very well preserved to this day.

(3) Compared to palaces, living quarters in southern China are very modest. The houses are covered with dark gray tiled roofs, their walls are covered with white flowers, and their wooden frames are dark coffee-colored. Bamboo and bananas grow around the houses. Similar premises still exist in the country's southern provinces of Anhui, Zhejiang, Fujian and others.

Tombs

Numerous complexes of tombs of the nobility, created at the turn of our era, are perfectly preserved, representing large underground structures, to which the so-called alleys of spirits guarding the graves led. They were framed by sculptures of animals and stone pylons. The complex also included above-ground sanctuaries - tsitans. Reliefs on the walls of burial structures depict guards in long robes, phoenixes, dragons, turtles, and tigers. The burial reliefs of the Ulyan people in Shandong (2nd century) tell about the creators of the earth and sky, about legendary heroes, about solemn processions, about the struggle between kingdoms.

The reliefs are friezes. Each slab shows a new scene, and next to it is an inscription explaining the image. Gods and people are dressed alike, but gods and kings are given larger than ordinary people . (4, 5) An example of a different style is the reliefs from Sichuan, which are distinguished by the simplicity and vividness of their images, attention to everyday scenes (harvest scenes, hunting wild ducks, theatrical and circus performances, etc.). More and more importance is being attached to the depiction of nature.

Great Wall of China

(6) The Great Wall of China is a unique monument of fortress architecture. It began to be built in the IV-III centuries. BC, when the Chinese states were forced to defend themselves from the attacks of the nomadic peoples of Central Asia. The Great Wall, like a giant snake, winds through the mountain ranges, peaks and passes of Northern China. (7) Its length exceeds 3 thousand km; approximately every 200 m there are quadrangular watchtowers with embrasures. The distance between the towers was equal to two arrow flights; it was easily shot from each side, which ensured safety. The upper plane of the wall is a wide protected road along which military units and convoys could quickly move.

Pagodas

(8, 9) The pagoda as a type of structure dates back to Indian architecture. Early pagodas, with their soft curvature and rounded lines, resemble Indian tower-shaped temples. In Buddhist monasteries, pagodas served as repositories for relics, statues, and canonical books. Many Chinese pagodas are enormous in size, reaching a height of 50 m. The best of them amaze with their almost mathematically precise and proportionate proportions; they seem to embody the spirit of Confucian wisdom. Later tower pagodas, built in honor of Buddhist saints, are characterized by slightly upwardly curved, pointed roof edges. It was believed that thanks to this shape they reliably protected against evil spirits.

More favorable conditions for the development of architecture developed in the 15th-18th centuries, when it took a leading position among the arts. The construction of the Great Wall of China dates back to this time. (10, 11) Such large cities as Beijing and Nanjing were built, wonderful palaces and temple ensembles were built. According to ancient rules, all buildings faced the south, and the city was crossed from south to north by a straight highway. New forms of architectural ensembles and cities are being developed. In Minsk pagodas, decorative features, fragmented forms, and an overload of details begin to predominate. With the transfer of the capital in 1421 from Nanjing to Beijing, the city was strengthened, palaces, temples and monasteries were built. The largest architectural structure of this time is the palace ensemble erected in the Forbidden City.

Nowadays only the lazy do not talk about the incredible economic development China, which is becoming a new superpower before our eyes. The architecture of the Middle Kingdom is one of the proofs of the greatness of this beautiful country. Our review presents 27 examples of incredible Chinese architecture that everyone should see.

A very original building for one of the leading companies in China, Alibaba, in the city of Hangzhou was built in 2009. The purpose of its construction was to create the most open and free space that would contribute to a productive, but at the same time relaxed work process. The headquarters, with an area of 150,000 square meters, can accommodate about 9 thousand employees of the company.

Built in 1990, the 315-meter (including two antennas, the height of the building reaches 367 meters) skyscraper Bank of China was considered the tallest building in Asia for 3 years. The Hong Kong tower is distinguished from most other skyscrapers by its unusual futuristic design, thanks to which the building has become extremely popular among residents and tourists.

The modern theater in the small town of Wuzhen, which was designed by Taiwanese architect Chris Yao from the ARTECH bureau, resembles two lotus flowers sprouting from one stem and fused together. Ornate timber screens cover approximately half of the façade, while the rest is covered in brickwork. This theater has become real business card Wuzhena.

Interior of the "New Century" center

Built in 2010, the New Century multifunctional complex is officially recognized as the largest single building in the world. The building area is 1.76 million square meters, which is three times the size of the Pentagon. The unique complex houses retail space, offices, conference rooms, a university complex, two commercial centers, two five-star hotels, an IMAX cinema and a water park with an artificial beach.

The construction of the basketball palace, designed for 18 thousand, was completed by the start of the Games in 2008. It was in this sports facility that the preliminary and final basketball competitions of the Olympics took place. Among the architectural features, it is worth highlighting the extremely unusual façade made of special artistic wood panels.

6. New terminal of Beijing International Airport

New terminal built by Olympic Games designed by the legendary Baron Norman Foster, it has colossal dimensions - 3.25 km long and an area of 1.3 million square meters, which makes it the largest building in the world. It is interesting that the British architect tried to put into his creation all the understanding of Chinese traditional architecture - the red and gold color scheme, the sharp bend of the ceilings and the general silhouette, similar to that of a dragon, give the building oriental features.

7. Taipei 101 skyscraper in Taipei

Skyscraper "Taipei 101" in Taipei

"Taipei 101" against the backdrop of a picturesque sunset

The 509-meter skyscraper, built in 2003 in Taipei, is the fifth tallest building in the world. On the lower floors there are various shopping centers and service premises, while the upper floors are occupied by the offices of the largest corporations from around the world. It is extremely interesting that the Taipei 101 skyscraper has the fastest elevators in the world, rising at a speed of 60.6 km/h. Taipei Tower is considered the main symbol of Taiwan and one of the most important architectural structures in all of China.

The 27-story horseshoe-shaped building of the world famous Sheraton hotel chain in Huzhou was completed in 2013. Due to its shape, the building received the nickname "horseshoe". It looks especially mesmerizing at night, reflecting in Lake Tahu and forming the silhouette of the number “8” with its reflection. It is worth noting that this beautiful modern hotel is one of the ten most expensive in the world.

9. Olympic Stadium "Bird's Nest" in Beijing

Olympic Stadium "Bird's Nest" in Beijing

Bird's Nest in Beijing

Beijing's main Olympic venue was built ahead of the 2008 Games. The stadium bowl has a very interesting and unusual appearance, which was made possible thanks to the construction of high-quality steel coated with polymers. A fan entering the stadium for the first time will be surprised by the thoughtfulness and integrity of the main symbol of the new Beijing - even the lamps along the paths leading to the entrances to the stadium look like miniature bird's nests.

In 2009, the construction of a unique CCTV headquarters building in the Chinese capital was completed. The new CCTV headquarters, located on 20 hectares of land, is considered the most significant project famous Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas. The modern skyscraper consists of two towers (54 and 44 floors), the height of the larger one is 234 m. The two buildings are connected to each other using horizontal structures at the level of the top floors and at the base. Interestingly, due to such an unusual shape, the structure received the nickname “big pants”.

The world's sixth tallest building was completed in 2008. The peculiarities of the Chinese landscape forced chief architect Dafydd Malott to create a structural system capable of withstanding an earthquake of up to 7 points. The 101-story giant includes all kinds of shops, restaurants, conference rooms, offices of various companies and the highest observation deck located on the 100th floor. The unofficial name of the complex is “opener”.

12. Vostok Sports Center in Shanghai

Vostok Sports Center in Shanghai

The main building of the Vostok sports center

The Vostok Sports Center, designed primarily to host all kinds of water sports competitions, is a complex of a multifunctional stadium, a special indoor water sports center, an outdoor swimming pool and a large media center. German architects from DMP designed all these structures in the same style, and each of them resembles seashells. The main stadium is designed for 18 thousand people, the other two can accommodate about five thousand spectators.

Built in 2010, Cube Tube is located in the new economic center of Zhejiang Province. The building, consisting of office and entertainment parts, was constructed using a system of rectangular modules, which are used both as windows with terraces and as interior decoration. Cube Tube has become the most significant site in Jinhua, attracting many tourists to enjoy the "square magic".

The Galaxy Soho multifunctional complex, designed by the inimitable Zaha Hadid in 2010, has become a real decoration of Beijing. The complex consists of five dome-shaped structures without right angles, up to 67 m high, smoothly connected to each other at different levels by a system of covered and open passages. The first floors are occupied by restaurants and shops, and the upper floors are occupied by offices of large companies. Galaxy Soho was Hadid's first work in China.

The modern glass museum building is a place for thematic exhibitions and presentations of products made from the most popular and fashionable materials. Special attention It is worth paying attention to the unusual facade of the building - the outer walls are covered with polished and enameled dark glass. On the façade you can read the words different languages, which in one way or another are related to transparent material.

The Sanlitun Soho complex, designed by the famous Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, is a sunkun-type garden surrounded by various buildings in the image of the traditional quarters of old Beijing. The Japanese also used the principles of human scale and very high building density. The new complex was divided into four sectors according to the parts of the world, and the transitions between them are a system of winding labyrinths. Of particular interest are also the Sanlitun Soho buildings, lined with multi-colored acrylic panels that change color when the lighting changes.

17. Multifunctional complex "Circle" in Guangzhou

Multifunctional complex "Circle" in Guangzhou

"Circle" in Guangzhou

The 33-storey building with a height of 138 m was built in 2013 in Guangzhou according to the design of the Italian Giuseppe Di Pasquale. In the center of the “Circle” there is a round hole with a diameter of about 50 m. When the building is reflected in the river, an image is obtained similar to the number 8, which is considered lucky among the Chinese. The Guangzhou complex is considered the largest circular building in the world.

18. Guotai Arts Center in Chongqing

Guotai Art Center in Chongqing

Gotai Arts Center

The incredible Guotai Arts Center, completed in February 2013, is located in the heart of the developing city of Chongqing. The building consists of two parts - Bolshoi Theater and Chongqing Art Museum. Interestingly, the author of this amazing project, Jing Quan, decided to use the traditional Chinese wind instrument “sheng” as the main idea.

19. "Piano and Violin" House in Huainan"

Piano and Violin House in Huainan

"Piano and violin" with night lighting

The Piano and Violin House is an incredible building that was built in 2007 in the small city of Huainan. It serves as exhibition hall, dedicated to the planned development of the newly created Shannan district in the city. A transparent violin serves as an entrance area with escalators and stairs, while the main building of the complex is a huge piano. It is curious that the building, built on a scale of 1:50, gained incredible popularity among tourists and became almost the main “romantic” building in the country.

20. Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai

Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai

"Oriental Pearl" with Shanghai in the background

The 468-meter Oriental Pearl TV Tower is the third tallest building in Asia (468 meters high) and the fifth tallest TV tower in the world. The giant sphere, which houses a revolving restaurant, dance floor and bar, has a diameter of 45 meters and is located 263 meters above the ground. Particularly popular among tourists is the observation deck with a glass floor, where you can feel like you are soaring above this huge metropolis.

The building of the ultra-modern shopping and entertainment complex Hanjie Wanda Square cannot leave anyone indifferent. 4 of the 6 floors are hidden under an amazing textured shell of patterned glass and stainless steel. The complex follows all the canons of traditional Chinese architecture, transferring them to a modern perspective. The building becomes especially impressive at night thanks to LED lighting that emphasizes its shape.

The main attraction of modern Shanghai, the Mao Jin Tower is one of the tallest in Asia. The main element of this building is the number 8, which the Chinese associate with prosperity. The building's 88 floors are divided into 16 segments, each 1/8 shorter than the sixteen-story base, which is formed by an octagonal concrete frame surrounded by eight composite and eight external steel columns. The building houses offices, a five-star hotel, restaurants and an observation deck on the 88th floor.

Beijing's Linked Hybrid residential complex, designed by American architect Steven Holl and completed in 2009, is a system of eight towers connected by air bridges. The ensemble includes 750 apartments, a cinema, various shops, a hotel, restaurants and even a kindergarten with a school for children living in the residential complex. The air bridges house a swimming pool, fitness center, tea rooms and cafes. linked Hybrid is an example of what an 11th century residential complex should be like.

The Lippo Plaza Hong Kong office complex was built in 1988 and designed by American architect Paul Rudolph. The complex consists of two towers located just a few tens of meters from each other, 48 and 44 floors high. The author of this controversial object had the original idea of creating a large complex of two towers, reminiscent of koalas hugging tree trunks. It is not surprising that people call this building after the main animal of China.

The National Aquatics Centre, also known as the Water Cube, was part of the larger Olympic construction site and was officially opened in 2008. Of course, first of all, it is worth noting the unusual facade, reminiscent of a crystal lattice of water bubbles. This sports complex is an example of high energy efficiency - the surface of the building is capable of receiving solar energy and using it to heat water and premises.

Recently, in China, according to the design of the famous Chinese bureau MAD Architects, the construction of a new unique structure was completed - a museum in Ordos. Main feature The museum located on a hill can be called its wavy structure made of metal plates, which, in addition to the aesthetic component, protects the building from changes in weather. The original object attracts hundreds of tourists every day who want to get acquainted with this masterpiece of modern architecture.

After numerous failures and freezing of construction still at the design stage main theater China was, after all, built in the early 2000s. Resembling either a huge drop of water or a flying saucer that landed in the Chinese capital, this incredible structure immediately fell in love with the majority of local residents and guests of the Middle Kingdom. The theater is a dome-shaped structure, 212 meters long and approximately 47 meters high, made entirely of metal and glass. The building is located on the surface of an artificial lake, and the entrance to it is underwater tunnels with a transparent ceiling.

Modern architecture in China is constantly being updated with new masterpieces, as evidenced by and. Obviously, such luxurious architecture requires considerable funds. You will learn how financially secure Chinese cities are from our review. The architecture of neighboring Japan also evokes particular delight and respect among specialists, the main achievements of which will be discussed in our article.

“Chinese architecture followed a different path than European architecture. Its main tendency is to seek harmony with nature. In many cases the search was successful. And success was achieved because the architect was inspired by a branch of wild plum, which first turned into a dynamic feature of the hieroglyph, and then transformed into the lines and forms of architecture" - Lin Yutang: "The Chinese: my country and my people."

Chinese traditional architecture is inseparable from modernity: no matter how strong the creative impulse of the architect, distinctive features Chinese antiquities are preserved even in the most seemingly uncharacteristic building for China. In this article we will talk about eight traditional elements Chinese architecture, significantly differentiating it from Western architecture.

"Horse Head"

The “Horse Head” is a distinctive architectural element of the city of Huizhou (Guangdong Province) in southern China. This design, often located on roofs in densely populated areas, prevents fires as multi-stage “horseheads” isolate the fire, preventing the fire from reaching neighboring houses. For such a useful function, the “horse head” is also called a “fire wall.”

Closed yard

Probably, the courtyard is the main exponent of Chinese thousand-year-old architecture. The special shape of the courtyard, which is a closed square or rectangle, is established and filled in accordance with the traditions of Chinese geomancy Feng Shui. A fountain, a gazebo, a garden - all the links of a Chinese closed courtyard create for the owner a miniature of the world, so valued in every home. Trying to absorb all the diversity of the surrounding nature, the courtyard simultaneously protects the Chinese house from adversity, representing a dialectical vision of the Chinese world.

Floral tracery windows

It is believed that empty walls are unlucky, so we can often see how a Chinese house is riddled with floral tracery windows of intricate patterns that let light into the enclosed Chinese courtyard and at the same time ventilate it. The patterns can be dedicated to a free theme, but most often they depict flowers, phoenixes and unicorns - saints mythical creatures, promising longevity and wisdom, or famous scenes from the original Chinese theater.

Red Gate

An integral part of any rich Chinese home is a purple gate - the color of the so-called Chinese cinnabar. Red - the color of happiness - speaks of the noble and noble origin of the family that owns this house. Also, the gates of almost every temple - be it Confucian, Taoist, Buddhist or Christian - are painted with Chinese cinnabar.

Wood, brick and stone carving

The pride of another southeastern city, although with the same name Huizhou (Anhui Province), is the “three arts of carving”, preserved in people's memory since ancient times. Add new patterns to brocade, or multiply the beauty - it is skillful carving on wood, brick and stone that embodies this famous Chinese idiom. Organically integrated into structures, delicately carved figures and statues are created over many years, gradually adorned with new curves like patterned brocade.

Sloping roof

It is impossible to imagine a Chinese house without a characteristic roof - without it, any building is literally bare. Even small shacks are trying to externally create a semblance of a classic Chinese sloping roof - it is so important for the consciousness of the Chinese. In addition to its symbolic nature, such a roof collects all the heat above on hot days, and on cold days it helps to heat the home. The curved corners of the roof give wings to the house, creating a connection between earth and sky when viewed, which is why they acquire very important ritual significance.

"Quadrilateral Ensemble"

If there is a closed courtyard inside a Chinese house, then every four buildings form a so-called “quadrilateral ensemble” - an intra-district division that distinguishes traditional Chinese streets. In such an ensemble, two houses are located horizontally, two vertically, forming a rectangle. This construction is explained by the geomancy already mentioned above: thus, the four houses contain the four cardinal directions, and also represent a miniature of China, which, according to the ancients, was located between the four seas.

Black tiles - heavenly mantle

If cinnabar is a symbol of happiness and honor, then white- a sign of mourning and funeral. Therefore, the walls of houses in a traditional Chinese courtyard are greenish-gray, and the roofs, in contrast with their surroundings, are blue-black. Of course, in China you can often find white walls, but most often they try to give it a greenish-gray or yellow-sand tint. The black color, unlike its usual meaning, in China is considered the personification of mystery and the sky, which explains its choice for tiles, thus reflecting the will of the sky. The roofs are also painted emerald, like green jasper - the most precious stone for the Chinese.

Here are eight fascinating elements of Chinese architecture that are inextricably linked with the culture and tradition of the Middle Kingdom. Of course, Chinese architecture is not limited to just eight features, and the well of its creative streams is as bottomless as Chinese thought, which I hope to reveal in future publications.

Over the long period of existence of the Middle State (as the Chinese call their homeland), numerous unique objects of architectural art were created, which still evoke admiration to this day. Among them are such masterpieces as magnificent palaces and a variety of ordinary residential buildings, beautiful in their color, towers and gazebos filled with poetry, skillful pagodas and bridges that stun the imagination of even modern engineers.

Temples, monasteries, religious buildings

Taoism is considered the original Chinese religion, but the Chinese also practiced other religions, such as Islam, Buddhism and even Christianity. Religious buildings of each religion differ significantly from each other and are called differently in Chinese. However, it is Buddhist temples that can be found anywhere in the country and, undoubtedly, are of high cultural, religious, architectural and artistic value.

Buddhism was brought to China from India, but Buddhist architecture generously absorbed national chinese traditions. When building temples in ancient times, the same principle or plan was used: the main gate “shanmen” was located in the center of the front wall, and two bell towers were built in the temple courtyard, on both sides of the gate. If you follow further, then along the central axis there was the “Heavenly God Pavilion”, then the “Main Treasures Pavilion”, and the “Sutra Repository” in the third courtyard. On the sides of the courtyards there were cells and a refectory. In their architectural appearance, the Buddhist temples of China are close to the imperial palace buildings; they are just as brilliant and magnificent - this is an important difference between the Chinese Buddhist temple complexes.

As a rule, such structures were erected away from noisy settlements; such buildings can often be found in the mountains. Among these temples, four are the most famous: Wutaishan, Juhuashan, Emeishan, Putuoshan.

Chinese pagodas

Pagodas first appeared in India architectural tradition. Initially, pagodas were erected in India at the burial sites of high-ranking monks; the ashes of the dead were stored in such buildings.

Chinese pagodas at first had the shape of a square, later hexagonal, octagonal and even round shapes began to be used, they were built from all kinds of materials: from wood to stone, and there are even pagodas made of iron and copper, as well as from brick. Number of Ancient Chinese pagodas usually have odd number levels, the most common buildings are levels 5-13.

The most famous pagodas in China are: Wooden Pagoda in Shanxi Province, Big Cranes Pagoda in Xi'an, Iron Pagoda in Kaifeng, Fragrant Mountain Pagoda in Beijing, Kaiyuanxi Monastery Pagoda in Jinxian County.

The wooden 9-level pagoda in Shanxi province was built almost a thousand years ago and has a height of 70 meters. This is the oldest surviving wooden tower in the world, and it was built using a unique anti-seismic technology; in all these years, not a single earthquake has destroyed it.

Palaces

In order to emphasize the high position of the emperor, the style of palace buildings necessarily contains special grandeur and splendor.

Ancient Chinese palaces are usually divided into two parts - the ceremonial or official part, and the everyday or residential part. The plan of the palace was built around an axis, which determined the principle of arrangement of all other buildings.

The roofs of palaces were often multi-level, with corners curved upward, which were often decorated with figurines of birds and animals. Such roofs gave grace to the outline of the building and at the same time carried out protective functions - under such roofs internal structures were more durable. Rainwater flowing from the roofs was diverted away from the walls and foundations, due to which the wooden walls did not deteriorate from moisture. The imperial palaces were covered with yellow tiles, which was a symbol of imperial power.

For many millennia, emperors did not spare human labor and material costs to build palaces that were striking in their scale. Unfortunately, most of them were victims of fire, since such buildings were traditionally built of wood. To this day, only the Gugong Palace in the center of Beijing has completely survived (another name for the palace ensemble is the “Forbidden City”). You can often see him in Chinese historical cinema. Now there is a state museum there. Emperors of the Ming and Jin dynasties lived in the Forbidden City. The Taihejian State Pavilion at Gugong Palace is the largest such pavilion in China.