1. Home
  2. Travel In China > China Culture > Chinese Architecture >

Chinese Architecturel History

Chinese architecture has a time-honored history and great achievement.  The development of Chinese architecture has a long history. Chinese architecture is mainly divided into Chinese ancient architecture and Chinese modern architecture. Chinese ancient architecture is one of the important parts of China's splendid ancient culture. The development of modern Chinese architecture is from the end of the Qing Dynasty to the present. The Western-style architecture has gradually become the mainstream form of architecture in China, while traditional Chinese-style architecture has gradually declined in appearance.

Ancient Chinese Architecture

In the Paleolithic Age, men lived on fishery and hunting, and were sheltered in trees and caves. In the Neolithic Age, men engaged in raising animals and farming, and settled down by digging caves and by building simple houses with twigs and lumber, thus commencing their architectural activities.

During the 3,000 years of the feudalist society, Chinese ancient architecture formulated gradually its unique system, coupled with a considerable progress in urban planning, garden designing, and house construction technique. In 221 B.C., the First Emperor of the Qin Empire mobilized the resources of the country to do construction works on a massive scale, including A'Fang Palace, the Emperor's Mausoleum, the Great Wall and the Dujiangyan Water-Conservancy Project. From then on, many more massive construction works of lasting fame were carried out in the history of China.

 Modern Chinese Architecture

Chinese Modern Architecture refers to those built after the first Opium War in 1840. Chinese architecture remains the traditional styles under the close policy of Qing Dynasty government until the Opium War in the middle of 19th century that western concepts and styles of are introduced into China which brings new blood and ideas to Chinese architecture.
 
Though the traditional Chinese style is still the dominant, some western elements such as techniques, materials and western decorations are borrowed into Chinese buildings. When residences in rural areas and small towns are still in the traditional style, architecture in cities is gradually built into a combination of Chinese style and western style.
 
As the continuously development and the return of the first overseas students, western buildings were built in the early 20th century, such as theaters, department stores, foreign firms, restaurants, banks and clubs. And in some cities, there were even special territories for western buildings, such as in Shanghai, Qingdao and Harbin.
 
After the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, Chinese architecture entered into a rapid development period. New residential blocks and public works, office blocks, schools, hospitals and museums are erected over the country. The new Chinese style is with great diversifications base on the national spirit and traditional style and compatible with kinds of modern styles; some featured symbolized architecture are renowned standing in the country, like the Shanghai World Financial Center, the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Bird’s Nest.

Related Reading：

Ask Questions ?

Home | About Us | Contact Us | Why Choose Us | Sitemap | Links

Copyright © 2010-2020. All Rights Reserved to Zhangjiajie Holiday

Travel Agency License: L-HUN-CJ00010 | Zhangjiajie China Travel Service Co.Ltd

Address: 4/F,The Building of Zhangjiajie Bus Station,Guanliping, Yongding District, Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province,China | Post Code:427000

Tel: +86 744 8399989 8399969 | Fax: +86 744 8399986 | E-mail: sales@visitaroundchina.com DMOZ