Architecture has long been a significant representation of human civilisation. Discover the perfect combination of art and human wisdom as we examine the top seven ancient architectures in Chinese history. These architectural miracles, from the Great Wall to the Forbidden City, are must-visits on your China tours.
The Great Wall
The Great Wall of China is probably the most famous of all the human buildings in the world. To be precise, there is more than one Great Wall. Several dynasties constructed numerous Great Walls in northern China for over two millennia. The “newest” and best-preserved of them was constructed during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The Great Wall of the Ming Dynasty is a massive and complex frontier fortress that stretches for 6,700 kilometers. It is the world’s greatest man-made wonder.
Beijing Palace Museum
The Imperial Palace in Beijing, built from the fourth year of Yongle (1406 AD) to the 18th year of Yongle (1420 AD), was a royal palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It was also known as the “Forbidden City” at that time. The Palace Museum is centered on the main hall, with a total area of about 720,000 square meters. There are more than 70 large and small palaces in total, and more than 9,000 rooms. The Forbidden City is one of the largest and best preserved ancient wooden buildings in the world. Don’t miss it on your China Beijing tours.
The Potala Palace
The Potala Palace, a sacred site of Tibetan Buddhism and a landmark of Tibet, stands majestically on the red Hill in the center of Lhasa. Built in the 7th century during the Tubo Dynasty, it is divided into two parts: the White House and the Red Palace. The White House is mainly the place where generations of Dalai Lamas live and handle government affairs. While the Red Palace is mainly used for religious activities and worship of Buddha statues, and many precious Buddhist art treasures are preserved in the palace.
Yingxian wooden Tower
Yingxian wooden Tower is the peak of ancient Chinese wooden architecture. It is not only the oldest and highest wooden tower in existence, but also a monument showing ancient architectural skills. This 67.31-meter-tall wooden tower, which was constructed in the third year of Chongxi during the Liao Dynasty (1056), is entirely mortise and tenon without riveting, yet it has withstood wind and rain for almost a millennium.
Hanging Temple
Hanging Temple is one of the wonders of ancient Chinese architecture. It is famous for its unique architectural location and exquisite construction techniques. Built during the Northern Wei Dynasty over 1000 years ago, Hanging Monastery is about 30 meters from the bottom of the cliff. The horizontal supports driven into the rock wall, coupled with clever mechanical design, allow the entire building to be firmly “suspended” in the air.
