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UNIT 8

ANCIENT ASIAN ARCHITECTURE

I. Read the text and translate it in the written form.

II. Choose one of the Chinese architecture styles mentioned in the

text and using web sources prepare a brief report.

Together with European and Arabian architecture, ancient Chinese ar-

chitecture is an important component of the world architectural system.
During its long development, it gradually formed into a style which fea-
tured timberwork combining stone carving, rammed earth construction,
bucket arch buildings and many other techniques. Industrious Chinese la-

boring people created many architectural miracles such as the Great Wall,
Forbidden City and the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor.

Features: The most significant characteristic is the use of timber
framework. Paintings and carvings were added to the architectural work to
make it more beautiful and attractive. Ancient Chinese buildings have a
long history which can be traced back to the Shang Dynasty (16th century

BC - 771 BC). It has its own principles of structure and layout. Through
the long development, many wonders have been created by industrious and
clever laboring people. Ancient architectural miracles are innumerable

ranging from Great Wall, White Horse Temple, Mogao Caves to Summer
Palace and Forbidden City.
Ancient Chinese architecture is mainly timberwork. Wooden posts,
beams, lintels and joists make up the framework of a house. Walls serve as

the separation of rooms without bearing the weight of the whole house,
which is unique to China. As a famous saying goes, 'Chinese houses will
still stand when their walls collapse.' The specialty of wood requires anti-

sepsis methods to be adopted, thus develops into Chinese own architec-
tural painting decoration. Colored glaze roofs, windows with exquisite ap-
plique design and beautiful flower patterns on wooden pillars reflect the
high-level of the craftsmen's handicraft and their rich imagination.

The layout of a courtyard complex is also unique to China. The main
structure is located on the central axis of a court while less-important

structures are located to the left and right. The whole layout is symmetri-
cal. Compared with European architectural style which is open and shut, a
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