Chinese architecture 

It was built during the Ming dynasty (1368- 1644). The temple is round because heaven was believed to be round; it sits on a square base, symbolizing the earth.

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Perched precariously 164 feet above the ground at the foot of Hengshan Mountain and overlooking the fast-flowing Golden Dragon River, the monastery is accessed via a bridge and a stone staircase chiseled directly from the rock face. Inside many of the caves, visitors can find images of the Buddha crafted from materials such as copper, iron, terracotta, and stone, most of which are vividly colored, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere. In the depths of winter, when tourists are scarce and the monastery is shielded from the winds, a profound silence envelops the space, creating a serene retreat for contemplation and reflection.

The temple complex features a gateway, porch, successive halls, and a sanctuary that houses a statue of the Buddha, surrounded by seating for the monks. Beyond the sanctuary, the complex includes offices, kitchens, expansive libraries, and rooms filled with art and sculpture, all meticulously arranged according to the ancient principles of feng shui and sheltered under elegantly dramatic roofs. Originally, the temple boasted 12 upper and lower courts, encircled almost entirely by mountains adorned with bamboo, cassia, and cedar trees, and interwoven with cascading waterfalls, creating a serene and picturesque setting.

Zigzag pathways weave through magnificent ponds that extend to the feet of pavilions and terraces, giving the entire garden the illusion of floating. Architectural techniques are expertly employed to frame views within the windows of the pavilions, allowing visitors to catch glimpses of distant pagodas along geometrically precise avenues. This thoughtful design enhances the sense of harmony between the natural landscape and the built environment, creating a tranquil and picturesque experience for all who wander through the garden.

Pagodas emerged in China as shrines for Buddhist relics, having their origins in India. The earliest pagodas were variations on the Indian stupa, which is a dome-shaped earth mound. Chinese pagodas typically feature multiple stories, designed to impress and delight onlookers. These hollow structures provide access to balconies beneath their swooping roofs, originally built to rise above underground chambers that housed Buddhist relics. This architectural evolution not only served a spiritual purpose but also reflected the artistic and cultural aspirations of the time.

The Forbidden City is divided into two main parts: the southern section, known as the Outer Court, served as the seat of government. The Hall of Supreme Harmony, located within this area, was the primary government building and housed the Imperial Throne Room, where major ceremonies and important state affairs took place. Broad, shallow steps lead up to the upper terrace and the main entrance doors, emphasizing the grandeur of the structure.

Timber is the predominant building material used throughout the palace, showcasing traditional Chinese architectural techniques. Notably, the mortar that binds the bricks is made from glutinous rice and egg white, a unique composition that contributes to the structural integrity and durability of the buildings, reflecting the ingenuity of ancient Chinese craftsmanship.

Comprising a myriad of bridges, pagodas, gardens, lakes, and streams that cover 726 acres, the palace began to take on its current form in the late 18th century. However, it was significantly damaged by British and French forces during the Second Opium War in 1860. At the center of this expansive complex is the Tower of Buddhist Incense (Foxing Ge), which serves as a focal point amid over 3,000 structures, including pavilions, towers, bridges, and corridors. Notable buildings within the palace complex include the Halls of Dispelling Clouds, Sea of Wisdom, and Moral Glory, all of which exemplify the intricate beauty and grandeur of traditional Chinese architecture.

Erected in 1380, the great rectangular Drum Tower stands 112 feet high with its distinctive triple-eaved roof, serving as the counterpart to the Bell Tower in the Muslim quarter of Xi’an, a walled city in the heart of China. The Drum Tower was used not only for timekeeping but also as an alarm system in times of danger.

This massive brick and timber structure features an archway that allows a street to pass through it, creating a functional connection within the urban landscape. Today, the Drum Tower stands as a striking monument, somewhat isolated from its surroundings, yet it remains a significant historical landmark that reflects the architectural heritage and cultural history of Xi’an.