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The Neolithic Period (Pre-1600 BC)
The earliest courtyard house found in China was during the Middle Neolithic period. Inside the Neolithic Village of Banpo, there were two types of buildings, which were surrounded by a deep moat. One was circular buildings with conical (cone shaped) roofs, which were built above ground; and the other type was square buildings with pyramidal (pyramid shaped) roofs, which were semi-subterranean (half underground small, rectangular, single-unit houses) -
The Shang Dynasty (c. 1600–1046 BC)
Buildings with a traditional Chinese style had started to take shape: rectilinear (contained by, consisting of, or moving in a straight line or lines) buildings set up on rammed-earth (Rammed earth foundations are made of well graded soil, preferably wig a stabilizer for water resistance and higher strength) foundations and massive earthen walls surrounding urban centers. -
The Zhou Dynasty (1046–256 BC)
In the Zhou Dynasty, more architectural forms appeared. Long defensive walls came into being. Mourning halls, tombs, and altars also became ordinary. In architectural structures, pictorial bronzes revealed that the original Chinese bracketing system was applied. For architectural materials, bricks and roof tiles had been created. -
The Qin and Han Dynasties (221 BC – 220 AD)
Throughout the Qin and Han eras, the techniques used for timber buildings gradually improved and were perfected. Builders had mastered firing tiles and could build with stones skillfully. Great palaces and pavilions were constructed. The Terracotta Army in Xi'an was part of the first emperor's huge mausoleum. Another huge breakthrough was decorations: splendid paintings, silks, and ceramics all became parts of the buildings. During this dynasty was also when the Great Wall of China was built -
The Three Kingdoms and The Six Dynasties (220–280) (220–589)
During this period, religious buildings – especially Buddhist temples and monasteries – sprung up around China thanks to the government's admiration of religion. Tiered structures were skillfully built when constructing brick or stone pagodas. The Six Dynasties are Eastern Wu (222–280), Eastern Jin dynasty (317–420), Liu Song dynasty (420–479), Southern Qi dynasty (479–502), Liang dynasty (502–557), and Chen dynasty (557–589) -
The Sui and Tang Dynasties (581–618) (618–907)
The Sui and Tang eras were the golden age of China's history. The application of bricks had become more popular. Vast public works, such as the Grand Canal, were built. Chinese roofs became more and more exquisite as advances had been made in baking glazes. The whole architectural style during this period was grand and lavish. Along with the thriving cultural output, traditional Chinese architectural styles also spread to neighboring countries, such as Korea and Japan. -
The Song and Yuan Dynasties (960–1279) (1279–1368)
The Song Dynasty was an important time for ancient Chinese architecture. Great improvements had been made during that period. The scale of the buildings in the Song Dynasty was generally smaller than in the Tang Dynasty. However, they were more beautiful and rich in diversity. During the Yuan Dynasty, many Tibetan Buddhist temples and Islamic mosques were built. The architectural arts of Tibetan Buddhism and Islam greatly influenced the nation. -
The Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368–1644) (1644–1912)
Ancient architecture reached its zenith during China's last two imperial dynasties. The production of bricks had greatly increased. The quality and quantity of glazed tiles had exceeded any past dynasties. The official buildings were highly standardized. -
Chinese folding screens were made
Chinese folding screens were made in about 4th century BC and are about $579.00. -
Chinese screens were made
Chinese screens were made in the 17th century. Folding screens were originally made from wooden panels and painted on lacquered surfaces, eventually folding screens made from paper or silk became popular too. -
Taoism is created (4th or 3rd century BCE)
Taoism is a religion native to China. Taoism is a religious or philosophical tradition of Chinese origin which emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao. The Tao is what gives Taoism its English name, in both its philosophical and religious forms. The Tao is the fundamental and central concept of these schools of thought. -
Skyskrapers were made
The first skyscraper in the world was built in 1884, in Chicago, Illinois. The most different part between the skyscrapers and the former buildings is the material and the height. The skyscraper is one of the biggest contribution that America has to architecture. With no doubt, skyscraper is a symbol of this young nation. It is actually the inevitable outcome of rapid development in urban areas. -
Dining Room Set
This dining table set is a very common type of Chinese style dining table set. The concise and clear structural design is one of the features of Chinese furniture. The only decoration of the table is the carving. Even the color is the natural color of the wood. -
Chairs
Chairs were made at about 2680 B.C. Each decorative style has its specific cultural background as a support to deliver people’s pursuit of life in a specific culture. Chinese style has a special cultural atmosphere. It creates a romantic living space. For instance, rosewood, blue and white porcelain, and ceramic tea-pot, etc. reflect the oriental beauty. Such decorative style penetrate thousands of years of Chinese civilization. -
Curved Roofs
Curved roof trusses made up by boards were first made in 1561. In winter, the curved roof creates a perfect entrance for sun, in the winter, and shade in the summer. -
Chinese Balconies
Balconies were made in 1679. They had posts but once the story of a child that dangled and a man climbed the building to save the kid, made the news, it is usually a sheet of glass. Not to mention it gives the building more modern look. -
Juliet Balcony
It’s sometimes referred to as a “balconet," which in our opinion, manages expectations a little better. Encyclopedia.com defines that as “False balcony, or railing at the outer plane of a window-opening reaching to the floor, and having, when the window is open, the appearance of a balcony. Common in France, Spain, and Italy.” -
Ma Yansong
At just 40 years old, architect Ma Yansong has made a mark for himself in China through wildly adventurous buildings, such as residential complexes that mimic the look of a hilly horizon, sinuous museums, and skyscrapers that subvert the Miesian box. Rooted in the spirituality of the natural world, his structures seek to evoke visceral reactions from the people who step inside them or see them from afar.
