CHINESE ARCHITECTURE

Chinese Architecture

• Architecture presentation by Banayo, Lorenzo, Ramirez, and Tabaranza of Group 6.

Buddha's Eyes

• Buddha's eyes symbolize that Buddha can see everything.

Dharma Wheel

• The Dharma Wheel is displayed.

Feng Shui

• Feng Shui is displayed.

Nanchan Temple

• It is located in Wutai county, Shanxi province.
• The architect is unknown.
• Was built in 728 AD during the Tang Dynasty, Mount Wutai, Shanxi province.
• It is a small courtyard area.
• It is one of the oldest Tang dynasty timber structures.
• Was discovered in 1937 by architectural historian Liang Sicheng, his wife, Lin Huiyin, and their whole team.
• Its structure is a rare insight into Tang Dynasty-era Chinese architecture and became a standard for the future.

Architectural Features

• Timber-frame structure is present.
• Hip and gable roof is present.
• Dougong bracket system is implemented.
• Open and simple interior design can be seen.

Statues and Sculptures

• At the center is a Shakyamuni Buddha statue.
• Two bodhisattvas are present: Samantabhadra (riding an elephant) and Manjushri (riding a lion).
• Contains 16 sculptures, including 10 disciples and 4 heavenly kings.

Chinese Courtyard Layout

• Contains a main gate, main hall, west hall, east hall.

Other Features of Nanchan Temple

• Elevated platform
• Paintings and murals

Foguang Temple

• It is located in Wutai county, Shanxi province
• The architect is unknown.
• Was built in 827 AD during Tang Dynasty, Mount Wutai, Shanxi province.
• It is a Tang Dynasty Buddhist temple that is known for its great east hall.
• The temple is one of the earliest preserved timber structures in China together with Nanchan Temple.
• Discovered by 20th-century architectural historian Liang Sicheng and his wife, Lin Huiyin.
• Features a large courtyard.

Architectural Features of Foguang Temple

• Timber-frame structure
• Dougong bracket system

Chinese Courtyard Layout of Foguang Temple

• Main gate, Hall of Manjusri, Great East Hall, Zushi Pagoda, and side courtyard and halls

Great East Hall

• Features a complex design with a single-eaved hip roof.
• The great hall contains murals, paintings, and 36 statues and sculptures that symbolize enlightenment and wisdom.

Other Features of Foguang Temple

• The Hall of Manjusri was constructed during the Jin Dynasty and nearly the same size as the Great Hall.
• The Hall of Manjusri is located at the north of the courtyard.
• The Zushi Pagoda is a small funerary pagoda and can be seen at the south part of the Great East Hall.

Mogao Caves

• Located in the west end of Gansu Province, southeast of the center of Dunhuang.
• On a religious and cultural crossroads on the Ancient Silk Road.
• A system of hundreds of caves and temples, also known as the Mogao Caves, the Thousand Buddha Grottoes, or Caves of the Thousand Buddhas.
• "Mo” means desert, and the term Mogao Caves means the caves in the high place of the desert.
• The caves contain examples of Buddhist art, including sculpture, carving, and painting, which have spanned over 1000 years.
• All the Dunhuang caves face east.
• Exhibits the co-influence of both Indian and Chinese Buddhists.
• The statues, religious murals, sidewalls, and ceilings inside the caves all feature the colorful and flourishing Buddhist culture.

Mogao Caves Excavation

• First excavated in the second year of Jianyuan in the pre Qin period, 366 AD.
• Remained intact for over 1,000 years through ten dynasties, including the Beiwei, Beizhou, Sui, Tang, Song, Xixia, and Yuan Dynasties.
• Cave builders were mainly the cave owner, the benefactor, and the craftsman.
• The Mogao Caves are not used as residences.
• They served as a place for monks to cultivate themselves according to religious doctrine.
• It gradually subsided after the collapse of the Tang Dynasty (618 AD – 907 AD) and was gradually forgotten.
• In 1900 A.D., a Taoist named Wang Yuanlu found a grotto with many ancient books and scriptures buried inside.
• British explorer Paul Pellioy bought a large number of scriptures.

Mogao Caves Classification and Features

• Scholars have classified 735 caves into 9 different architectural forms, each having special features.
• Contemporary scholars categorise them into 9 forms based on archaeology: central pillar caves, truncated pyramid caves, hall caves, monumental statue caves, nirvana caves, meditation caves, monks' caves, image caves, and burial caves.
• Central-pillar cave
• Truncated pyramid cave
• Hall cave
• Monumental statue cave
• Nirvana cave
• Meditation cave
• Monk's cave
• Image cave
• Burial cave

Interior of Mogao Caves

• Central-Pillar Caves

• Have Chinese styled gabled ceilings in the anterior portion.

• The posterior has a square pillar standing from the ground to ceiling.

• The square pillar has niches on its four sides.

• Truncated Pyramid Cave

• Influenced by Chinese Han tombs.

• There is a Buddhist niche on the west wall.

• Hall Cave

• Features a platform with stairs in the front and a backdrop wall from the ground up to the ceiling.

• Monumental Statue Cave

• Contains a monumental Buddha statue in the main chamber.

• Includes the Nine Story Building which is the signature facade.

• Nirvana Cave

• Has an arched ceiling and a horizontal rectangular shape.

• The west wall has a Buddhist bed across the whole wall with a Buddha in nirvana laying on it.

• Meditation Cave

• Features small meditation niches opened next to main chambers for meditation and worshipping.

• Image Cave

• Built to commemorate high ranking monks.

• The ceiling is of a truncated pyramid shape.

• Monk's Cave

• Mainly for the daily living of monks with meditation functions.

• Typically have no set forms, mural paintings, or statues.

• Burial Cave

• Used for burial purposes and has no set forms.

• Library Cave

• It has yielded about 60,000 Buddhist scrolls, social documents, embroideries, silk paintings, and other cultural relics; they are scattered all over the world.

Lukang Longshan Temple

• One of the important historic towns in Taiwan with well-preserved historic sites, old houses, old temples, and folk arts.
• The temple is called the Forbidden City in Taiwan.
• Remodeled by local residents with a reputation for being the Treasure of Chinese Architectural Art.
• Located in the Township of Lukang, revered Buddhist temple in Taiwan.
• Originally built in the 17th century near the historic port canal, moved to its present site in 1786.
• The 9,600 square foot complex consists of a Main Gate, Hall of the Five Gates, Main Hall, and Rear hall, along with two enclosed yards.
• The temple houses a shrine to the Bodhisattva Guanyin, goddess of mercy and compassion.
• A popular place of worship for Mahāyāna Buddhists.
• The temple contains impressive architectural features, including painted murals, wood carvings, and the largest caisson or spiderweb wooden ceiling in Taiwan.

Swallowtail Roof

• Refers to having a roof with an upward-curving ridge shaped like the tail of a swallow.
• A common design in Taiwan.
• Porcelain designs range from plants and animals to mystical creatures, including dragons and phoenixes.

Lukang Longshan Temple Layout

• Main Gate
• Paper Incinerator
• Front Gate
• Theatre Pavilion
• Caisson
• Passage Way
• Memorial
• Antique Clock
• Worship Hall
• Main Hall
• Rear Hall

Main Gate of Lukang Longshan Temple

• Often referred to as the Mountain Gate and one of the most impressive in Taiwan.
• The courtyard in front of the gate is decorated with red lanterns that lead up to the wooden gate.
• Has a plaque that reads Longshan Temple between the layers on the roof.

Front Hall of Lukang Longshan Temple

• Also known as the Five Door Hall or Five Door Portal.
• Consists of five doors with the three in the middle separated by four stone pillars.

Door Gods of Lukang Longshan Temple

• Represent Skanda, the guardian of Buddhist Monasteries, as well as Sangharama.
• Sangharama, a Buddhist name for the popular historical figure Guan Yu.
• Guan Yu is highly regarded for his ability to offer spiritual protection and grant blessings.

Theatre Pavilion of Lukang Longshan Temple

• An area where temple performances would take place.

Caisson of Lukang Longshan Temple

• The most beautiful "Caisson" in all of Taiwan.
• The "Ba-Gua ceiling" is an architectural masterpiece in East Asian temples and palaces with local folk religion and culture.

Worship Hall of Lukang Longshan Temple

• Similar to the front patio of a house.
• A large covered platform that allows for performing religious rituals without entering the Main Hall.

Door Gods in Main Hall of Lukang Longshan Temple

• Mirror those of the Front Hall and consist of Skanda, Sangharama, and Guan Yu.
• They are painted differently representing different aspects of their character.

Rear Hall of Lukang Longshan Temple

• Considered the youngest part of the entire complex.
• It had to be rebuilt after a fire destroyed the original hall.
• The Rear Hall houses Buddhist figures including Amida, Sakyamuni Buddha, and the Medicine Buddha, known as the 'Three Treasures'.

Hanging Temple

• Also known as Xuankong Si.
• Located in Shanxi Province, China.
• Built into a cliffside in the Jinlong Gorge, near Mount Heng Shan
• Constructed by a Taoist monk named Liao Ran during the Northern Wei Dynasty in 491 A.D.
• A wooden frame structure built into a concave of the cliff, with protruding rock formations acting as a natural shield from weathering.
• Constructed by drilling 2 to 3 meter-deep holes into the cliffside and inserting beams for structural support.
• Poles were added later during the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
• Made of hemlock wood and treated with tung oil for durability.
• Composed of the North Pavilion, South Pavilion, and Long Bridge.
• Features 40 halls and pavilions, covering an area of 125 m².
• The two main buildings have traditional multiple-roof designs with eaves and balconies adorned with auspicious creatures like dragons.
• About one-third of the building body is hanging on the cliff, supported by 27 cantilever beams.
• Halls are connected by winding corridors and bridges.

Main Sections of Hanging Temple

• Southern Part
• 8 meters long and 4 meters wide.
• Contains the Chunyang Palace, Sanguan Hall, and Leiyin Hall.
• North Pavilion
• 7 meters long and 4 meters wide.
• Contains the Wufo Hall, Guanyin Hall, and Sanjiao Hall.

Chanxian Bridge of Hanging Temple

• 10 meters long.
• Connects the Southern Part and Northern Part.
• Contains 40 halls and pavilions.
• Houses 80 statues made of bronze, iron, terracotta, and stone.
• It has a Hall of Three Religions, Guanyin Hall, Hall of Shakyamuni, Qielan Hall, Sanguan Hall, and Chunyang Hall.
• Features remarkably true-to-life religious statues.

Cultural and Religious Significance of Hanging Temple

• It is the only temple in China that enshrines figures from Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism together.
• "Three Teachings Harmonious as One" emerged during the Ming and Qing Dynasties to promote unity among Chinese people.
• Buddhism was founded as a Buddhist temple in 491 AD during the Northern Wei Dynasty.
• Taoism was incorporated during the Tang-Song Dynasties (7th-13th Century).
• Addition of Confucian statues and teachings during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

History and Trivia of Hanging Temple

• During the Northern Wei Dynasty, it was first built in 491 A.D.
• During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), a major renovation occurred.
• During the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), additional reinforcements were added in 1900.
• The temple extends 32 meters in length.
• The temple originally had no wooden support pillars, making it appear to float in the air.
• At its lowest suspended point, the underside of the Hanging Temple juts out into the air 30 meters (98 feet) above the rocky foothill, while its highest point towers 50 meters (164 feet) in the air.
• Its remote location served as a travel lodge for religiously diverse travelers.
• Temperature differences are significant between morning and night.
• Visitors are limited to 80 people at a time.
• Has opening hours from 8 AM to 6 PM.
• Contains an underground operating coal mine nearby.
• A typical tour takes 2–3 hours.

Xianyou Temple

• Meaning, a place where immortals roam.
• Located in Mazhao Town, Zhouzhi County, 53.4 miles (86 kilometers) southwest of Xi'an.

Historical Background of Xianyou Temple

• Built in the Sui Dynasty under Emperor Wen (Yang Jian) (581–600 CE).
• Originally constructed as Xianyou Palace for imperial entertainment.
• In 601, Emperor Wen ordered the construction of a pagoda (Sarira Pagoda) to enshrine Buddha relics, renaming the palace as Xianyou Temple.
• Has undergone several renovations but retained its name.
• Due to the construction of the Heihe Reservoir in 1998, the temple was relocated, and a museum was established.

Architectural Layout of Xainyou Temple

• Main Hall: Built during the Qing Dynasty (1636-1912 AD)
• Side Rooms: The temple has 20 wing rooms beside the main hall
• Iron Bell: Made in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD), located in front of the main hall
• Clay Buddha Statues: Preserved inside the main hall
• Lama-Style Pagoda: A square-based pagoda is located 40 meters east of the main hall

Sarira Pagoda of Xianyou Temple

• Located 66 yards (60 meters) northwest of the main hall.
• Has seven floors, and 115 feet (35 meters) high.
• The only surviving pagoda among the 113 built during Emperor Yang Jian's reign.
• Zhouzhi County Administration of Cultural Relics.

Xianyou Temple Museum

• Opened after the temple's relocation in 2001.
• Built in Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD) style.
• Area: 240 square yards (200 square meters).
• Exhibits: Displays 302 historical relics.
• Has four permanent exhibitions with Sarira Pagoda cultural relics.
• Includes 102 relics related to Buddhism with a sarcophagus, gilded bronze coffins, phials, and Buddha relics.
• It has an incense burner, pedestal stele of Sarira Pagoda, and seven precious stone stele rubbings.
• Features items from the Longshan Period (about 4,500 years ago) to the Qing Dynasty, including stone vessels, bone implements, pottery, porcelain, jade, and silverware.
• Showcases ancient and modern steles.
• Xianyou has been a source of inspiration for scholars since the Sui and Tang Dynasties.
• Poet Bai Juyi composed "The Everlasting Regret" at the temple in 706.
• The museum preserves stone steles of calligraphy.
• Has additional exhibits that have iron bells with inscriptions, 19 ancient stone steles, and 25 inscriptions by modern and contemporary celebrities.
• Paintings & Calligraphy from the Korean Art & Writers Association
• • Cultural exchanges with South Korea that led to four events held at the temple.
• Over 40 paintings by Korean artists.

Cultural and Literacy Significance of Xianyou Temple

• Has attracted famous poets, painters, and calligraphers.
• Includes the Stone Steles of Calligraphy of "The Everlasting Regret".
• According to legend, the love story of Qin Mugong's daughter Nongyu and Xiao Shi took place at the temple.
• Śarīra refers to Buddhist relics placed in pagodas.

Yonghe Temple

• Commonly known in English as the Lama Temple.
• Recognized as Beijing's most significant Tibetan Buddhist monastery.
• Established in 1694, it has undergone various transformations.
• Located in the northeast corner of central Beijing within the Dongcheng district.
• The portion open to the public, the "ritual core," comprises a section of the larger complex.
• Encompasses approximately 400 meters in length and covers a total of 23,131.8 square meters.
• The architectural style blends Han Chinese, Tibetan, and Mongolian influences.

Architectural Features of the Temple

• Chinese courtyard layout is displayed.
• The use of imperial yellow roof tiles.
• Houses an 18-meter-tall Maitreya Buddha statue.
• Also has flying corridors and elaborate steele pavilions.

General Layout of Yonghe Temple

• The temple is structured into several sections designed for distinct functions.
• Visitors enter from the south and progress northward.
• Courtyard of Ceremonial Gateways (Pailouyuan) acts as a transition from the secular world.

Specific Buildings of Yonghe Temple

• Pailou: Dragon and Phoenix symbolizes prosperity.
• Harbinger prosperity and visvavajra motif.
• Carriageway (Niandaoyuan): Features a wide path with ginkgo trees and bushes that creates a serene atmosphere.
• It leads to the Gate of Luminous Peace (Zhaotaimen) for the emperor.
• Courtyard of the Gate of Harmony and Peace (Yonghemenyuan): Has park-like ancient trees and pavilions with inscriptions in multiple languages.
• Palace of Harmony and Peace (Yonghegongdian): Originally a palace hall built in 1694 for Prince Yong before becoming a temple.
• Hall of Eternal Protection (Yongyoudian): Serves as a main worship hall initially used for imperial ceremonies.
• Hall of the Dharma Wheel (Falundian): The leading site for monastic rituals and teachings with a colossal statue of Tsongkhapa.
• Pavilion of Infinite Happiness (Wanfuge): The tallest and most striking structure (about 25 meters high) with a colossal Maitreya Bodhisattva statue carved from sandalwood and a Pavilion of Prolonged Peace (Yansuige).
• Rear Courtyard and Final Halls: Represents the Tușita Heaven, the Buddhist paradise where Maitreya resides, with the Tower of Complete Pacification (Suichenglou).

Qiyun Pagoda

• Located within the White Horse Temple in Luoyang.
• Symbolizes the development of Buddhist iconography and religious symbolism.
• Is connected to King Asoka's relics recognized by Indian monks in 69 AD during Emperor Ming's visit.
• The first historically recorded pagoda in China, constructed during the Eastern Han Dynasty; the initial pagoda was a nine-story wooden structure.
• The original wooden pagoda was destroyed by fire toward the end of the Northern Song Dynasty (960–1127).
• It was reconstructed in the 12th century with Chinese architectural influences.

Architectural Style and Features of Qiyun Pagoda

• Blends Indian stupa design with traditional Chinese architecture.
• Architectural details include a thirteen-story multi-eave square brick pagoda standing 35 meters high.
• The first storey is elevated on a brick pedestal, with each side measuring 7.8.
• Combines bricks, wood, and stone resulting in a distinctive ancient tower with pent roofs with narrow eaves influenced by the Tang Dynasty.