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CHINESE ARCHITECTURE
ewan k
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How many provinces and autonomous regions does the Republic of China comprise? | Twenty-three provinces and autonomous regions of inner Mongolia and Sinkiang. |
| What type of terrain characterizes the country of China? | Mountainous with extensive fertile valleys in the middle and southeast, and great plains in the north. |
| How did the excellent harbors in China promote maritime contact? | They promoted maritime contact with Southeast Asia in early times and with the west during the last two centuries. |
| What is Chinese architecture an embodiment of? | An architectural style that has developed over millennia in China and has influenced architecture throughout Eastern Asia. |
| What are some abundant minerals in the South of China? | Tin, copper, zinc, antimony, tungsten, manganese, and mercury. |
| What type of soil is chiefly found in the north of China? | Loess and alluvium with a marked absence of trees. |
| What types of trees are found further south of the Yangtze gorges? | Pine trees, chestnuts, and maples. |
| What is the principal material in Chinese architecture? | Timber. |
| Which tree served as columns in palaces and temples in Peking (Beijing)? | Nanmu, the tallest and straightest tree in China. |
| Apart from timber, what other materials were used in Chinese architecture? | Bricks from river plains, limestone, and sandstone. |
| What were the roofs of Chinese architecture covered with? | Clay tiles, coloured and glazed with symbolic colours: black, red, azure, white, and yellow. |
| What is the Nanmu tree? | A precious wood that is unique to China and South Asia, historically used for boat building, architectural woodworking, furniture, and sculptural carving in China. |
| Where are the trees that produce nanmu wood found? | South of the Yangtze River. |
| What are the characteristics of the trees that produce nanmu wood? | Evergreens with long, straight trunks, growing to 35 meters in height and one meter in diameter. |
| How many varieties of nanmu trees exist? | More than 30. |
| Where was the giant phoebe nanmu tree exhibited? | At the Beijing Botanical Garden. |
| What kind of wood was used to build the Forbidden City by Zhu Di? | Nanmu tree wood. |
| Why was the nanmu tree on the verge of extinction? | Because it was loved by the emperors of the past. |
| What was eventually used for the construction of the Forbidden City? | A large amount of golden nanmu. |
| What is golden nanmu also called? | "Emperor wood" and now also called national tree. |
| What climatic conditions does the North of China experience? | Cold strong winter winds from Mongolia, producing severe winters. |
| What is the average January temperature in Peking? | 5 ˚C. |
| How does the climate vary in China from latitude 45˚ to latitude 20˚ north of the equator? | It experiences a range of climate varying from extreme cold to almost tropical. |
| What is responsible for the characteristic Chinese roof with its accentuated curved eaves? | The climatic conditions. |
| How was heating of buildings often provided in traditional Chinese architecture? | By charcoal burners without flues or fireplaces |
| When did ancient Chinese architecture begin? | In the Neolithic period (before 1600 BC). |
| During which dynasty was the first record of Chinese architecture? | Shang Dynasty (c. 1600 – 1046 BC), during the reign of king Wu Ding. |
| What were the two kinds of buildings in the Neolithic era? | Circular buildings with a conical roof and square buildings with a pyramidal roof. |
| How were circular houses built in the Neolithic era? | Above the ground. |
| How were square buildings constructed in the Neolithic era? | Half below the surface of the ground. |
| Where did the Shang rule in ancient China? | In the Yellow River valley. |
| How long is China's continuous history? | Thousands of years. |
| Who is regarded as the 'emperor' of the Qin, marking the beginning of imperial China? | Qin Shi Huang. |
| What dynasty supplanted the oppressive government after Qin Shi Huang's death? | The Han dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD). |
| During which dynasties were majestic palaces and pavilions finally made in China? | Qin and Han Dynasties (221 BC – 220 AD). |
| What artistic elements contributed to the construction of majestic palaces and pavilions in the Qin and Han Dynasties? | Enchanting paintings, ceramics, and silks. |
| What significant funerary art was constructed during the Qin and Han Dynasties? | The Terracotta Army. |
| When was the Terracotta Army constructed? | In 210 – 209 BCE. |
| What was the purpose of the Terracotta Army? | To protect the emperor in his afterlife. |
| During which dynasties did the use of bricks become more common in Chinese architecture? | Sui (581 – 618) and Tang (618 – 907) Dynasties. |
| Which neighboring countries were influenced by the architectural developments during the Sui and Tang Dynasties? | Korea and Japan. |
| What architectural structure became increasingly popular during the Sui and Tang Dynasties? | Buddhist pagodas. |
| During which dynasty were major improvements made in the architectural style of Chinese architecture? | Song Dynasty (960 – 1279). |
| Name a pagoda from The Tang Dynasty. | Xumi Pagoda. |
| During which imperial dynasties did ancient Chinese architecture reach its peak? | The Ming (1368 – 1644) and Qing (1644 – 1912) Dynasties. |
| What is the Forbidden City and where is it located? | The Forbidden City is located in Beijing, China, and was built from 1406 to 1420. |
| Which ancient Chinese architectural structure was well maintained and successively rebuilt over the centuries? | The Forbidden City. |
| What was China's last dynasty? | The Qing (1636 – 1912). |
| When was the Republic of China established? | In 1912. |
| When was the People's Republic of China established? | In 1949. |
| Where did the Republic of China retreat to in 1949? | The island of Taiwan. |
| What is the flag of the Republic of China? | Flag of the Republic of China (1928 – present). |
| What is the flag of the People's Republic of China? | Flag of the People's Republic of China (1949 - Present). |
| What ongoing dispute exists regarding the government of China? | Both the PRC and the ROC claim to be the sole legitimate government of China. |
| When did the United Nations recognize the PRC as the government to represent China at all UN conferences? | 1971. |
| When did Hong Kong transfer sovereignty to China? | 1997. |
| When did Macau transfer sovereignty to China? | 1999. |
| What is the status of Hong Kong and Macau after transferring sovereignty to China? | They became special administrative regions (SARs) of the PRC. |
| What are the 'three pillars' of ancient Chinese society? | Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. |
| How did Confucianism influence ancient Chinese society? | It was a way of life for ancient Chinese people and continues to influence Chinese culture today. |
| Who is the founder of Confucianism? | Confucius. |
| When did Confucius live? | From 551 to 479 B.C.E. |
| What was Confucius known for? | He was a philosopher and political figure who lived during a time when traditional Chinese principles began to deteriorate under competing political states. |
| According to Confucius, what did every aspect of life consist of? | Obligations between people and entities, and rituals to convey mutual dependency. |
| What was the focus of Confucius' teachings? | Humanism, including treating others the way you would want to be treated. |
| What did Confucius believe would build a stronger state? | If everyone fulfilled their roles and obligations with respect and kindness towards others. |
| During which dynasty did Confucianism become the dominant political philosophy? | Han Dynasty from 206 B.C.E. to 220 C.E. |
| What is Taoism? | A religion and philosophy from ancient China. |
| Who is connected to Taoism and wrote the main book of Taoism? | Lao Tzu around 500 B.C.E. |
| What does Taoism hold about living in balance? | Humans and animals should live in balance with the Tao, or the universe. |
| What do Taoists believe in after death? | Spiritual immortality, where the spirit of the body joins the universe after death. |
| What is one of the main ideas of Taoism? | The belief in balancing forces, or yin and yang. |
| What do yin and yang represent in Taoism? | Matching pairs, such as light and dark, hot and cold, action and inaction. |
| What do yin and yang show in Taoism? | That everything in the universe is connected and that nothing makes sense by itself. |
| When did Taoism become well-known as the religion of the Tang dynasty? | In the eighth century C.E. |
| What is the third major belief system of ancient China? | Buddhism. |
| Who founded Buddhism? | Siddhartha Gautama, also called the Buddha, who lived in India around the sixth century B.C.E. |
| What is the focus of Buddhism? | Personal development and attainment of deep knowledge. |
| How do Buddhists seek to achieve enlightenment? | Through meditation, spiritual learning, and practice. |
| What do Buddhists believe in regarding life? | That life is impermanent and full of suffering and uncertainty. |
| What is the joyful state beyond human suffering that Buddhists seek to reach? | Nirvana. |
| What is the belief of Buddhists regarding reincarnation? | They believe in reincarnation. |
| Why is there very little ancient Chinese architecture still existing? | Because the Chinese mainly built in timber, which is susceptible to insects, moisture, and fire. |
| What is an important feature of ancient Chinese architecture? | The symmetrical layout that reflects upholding the value of harmony in ancient China. |
| How is the exterior part of ancient Chinese architecture decorated? | Elegantly through beautiful features like upturned roof corners, stone lions, screen walls, overhanging eaves, different shapes of roofs, and flowers. |
| How many buildings are there in the Forbidden City complex? | 980 buildings. |
| How many rooms does the Forbidden City encompass? | 9,999 rooms. |
| What is the total area covered by the Forbidden City complex? | 720,000 m2 (72 ha)/178 acres. |
| What is the Forbidden City in Beijing known for? | Listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world. |
| When was the Forbidden City constructed? | From 1406 to 1420. |
| Who resided in the Forbidden City from the Ming dynasty to the end of the Qing dynasty? | The Emperor of China. |
| For how long did the Forbidden City serve as the ceremonial and political center of the Chinese government? | Over 500 years. |
| What is the name of the entrance gate to the Forbidden City? | Meridian Gate. |
| What is the purpose of the Hall of Supreme Harmony in the Forbidden City? | Used for grand ceremonies. |
| Where is the Hall of Central Harmony located in the Forbidden City? | Jinshan Park. |
| What is the function of the Outer Court in the Forbidden City? | Used for ceremonial purposes. |
| What is the Gate of Divine Prowess in the Forbidden City used for? | Exit. |
| What activities were conducted in the Harmony section of the Forbidden City? | Banquets and Imperial Examination. |
| What is the name of the residence of the Emperor and his family in the Forbidden City? | Inner Court. |
| What is the name of the residence of the Emperor's Grandmother and Mother in the Forbidden City? | Palace of Longevity & Health. |
| What is the name of the Emperor's Audience Hall in the Forbidden City? | Palace of Heavenly Purity. |
| What is the name of the place used on the Emperor's wedding night in the Forbidden City? | Palace of Earthly Tranquility. |
| What is the name of the Emperor's residence in the Forbidden City? | Mental Cultivation Hall. |
| What is the name of the Emperor's exit in the Forbidden City? | Gate of Divine Prowess. |
| What is the name of the worship place in the Forbidden City? | Palace of Earthly Tranquility. |
| What is the name of the residence of the Emperor's Grandmother and Mother in the Forbidden City? | Palace of Longevity & Health. |
| What is the name of the Imperial Garden in the Forbidden City? | Imperial Garden. |
| What is the chief feature of Chinese architecture? | The roof, supported on timber uprights and independent of the walls. |
| What are the ridges of Chinese roofs laden with? | Elaborate ornamental cresting. |
| What adorns the up-tilted angles of Chinese roofs? | Fantastic dragons and grotesque ornament. |
| What are the animal statuettes on the roof of the Hall of Supreme Harmony? | They are part of the Forbidden City's architectural features. |
| Since when have roof animals been part of the decorations on Chinese roofs? | At least since the Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD). |
| What is the dragon on the roof called? | Chiwen. |
| What is the primary function of the dragon (chiwen) on the roof? | To protect the building from fire by controlling the rain and the sea. |
| What is the dragon (chiwen) considered as a symbol of? | The imperial throne. |
| What is the significance of the man riding a chicken on the roof? | It is a decorative element. |
| What is the significance of the man riding a phoenix on the roof? | It is a decorative element symbolizing good luck. |
| What is the significance of the phoenix on the roof? | It is the king of birds and controls the wind and air, bringing happiness and good luck. |
| What does the lion symbolize in Chinese architecture? | The lion symbolizes the power of the owner and protects the country and imperial rule. |
| What does the heavenly horse symbolize in Chinese architecture? | It can run like the wind and travel thousands of miles in a day. |
| What is the significance of the sea horse in Chinese architecture? | It has control over water to protect buildings from fire. |
| What role does the bull play in Chinese architecture? | It dispels evil and fights the enemy with its horns. |
| What do fish symbolize in Chinese architecture? | Fish symbolize wind- and storm-summoning. |
| What is considered a sign of dignity in Chinese architecture? | Placing roofs one over the other. |
| What purpose does the system of placing roofs one over the other serve? | It serves to protect the interior from extremes of heat and cold. |
| What are concave roofs in Chinese architecture generally covered with? | Enameled tiles of S - shape set in mortar. |
| What is used to form cover joints as a protection from driving winds in Chinese architecture? | Mortar. |
| What is dougong in traditional Chinese architecture? | A structural element of interlocking wooden brackets. |
| What is the significance of dougong in traditional Chinese architecture? | It is one of the most important structural elements. |
| When was dougong widely used by the ancient Chinese? | During the Spring and Autumn period (770 – 476 BC). |
| When did dougong develop into a complex set of interlocking parts? | At its peak in the Tang and Song periods. |
| How are the pieces of dougong fitted together? | By joinery alone without glue or fasteners, requiring precise carpentry. |
| What are the main colors of the Forbidden City? | Yellow and red. |
| What is the significance of the color red in Chinese culture? | It is regarded as a symbol of good fortune and happiness. |
| During which dynasties was yellow a symbol of supreme power? | Ming and Qing dynasties. |
| What is the significance of yellow in Chinese culture? | It is the color of the Emperor. |
| What color are almost all roofs in the Forbidden City? | Yellow. |
| What is a Pailou (Paifang) in Chinese architecture? | An archway of a memorial or decorative nature. |
| What materials could be used to make a Pailou? | Wood, brick, or stone, with or without glazed tiles. |
| Where were the normal places for Pailou to stand? | Thoroughfare crossroads, shrines and temples, government offices, bridges, parks, tombs, and mausoleums. |
| What were the inscriptions on Pailou often used for? | To propagate certain moral principles or to extol government achievements. |
| Where is the China Martial Arts Hall with a Pailou located? | Jinshitan, Dalian. |
| What are pagodas? | A traditional part of Chinese architecture. |
| What were the earliest styles of Chinese pagodas? | Square-base and circular-base, with octagonal-base towers emerging in the 5th – 10th centuries. |
| What were most pagodas built for? | To have a religious function, most often Buddhist but sometimes Taoist. |
| Where were pagodas often located? | In or near viharas. |
| What are the origins of the pagoda? | The stupa of ancient India. |
| What is the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda known for? | Built in the 7th century, made of brick. |
| What are temples used for in Chinese architecture? | As places of worship for Chinese Buddhism, Taoism, or Chinese folk religion. |
| What are the components of a typical Chinese temple? | Successive open courts, porticoes, kitchens, refectories, and sleeping cells for the priest. |
| How is the normal type of Chinese temple structured? | Consists of three lofty pavilions of one storey, with parallel open timber roofs approached by broad flights of steps, gateways, and bridges. |
| Can you provide an example of a temple in Chinese architecture? | Temple of Guandi and Yue Fei in Quanzhou, Fujian. |
| What is the Great Wall of China? | A series of fortifications built across the historical northern borders of ancient Chinese states and Imperial China. |
| When were several walls of the Great Wall of China built? | As early as the 7th century BC. |
| Who joined selective stretches of the Great Wall of China? | Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China. |
| Apart from defense, what other purposes did the Great Wall of China serve? | Border controls, regulation of trade along the Silk Road, and control of immigration and emigration. |
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