|
|
Architecture and City Planning
Home » China » Beijing - People and Culture » Architecture and City PlanningThe distinctive Chinese architecture seen all over Beijing evolved over many centuries, and it proved to be a major influence on surrounding nations such as Japan, Vietnam, and Korea. Unique features include an emphasis on horizontal lines (resulting in short, wide structures) and symmetry (with Chinese gardens being an exception, as they are often very asymmetrical).
Chinese buildings were most often built of wood, making them susceptible to fire, and many of Beijing’s structures today are replicas of original buildings destroyed by fires. Colors were very significant and carried meaning for the structure’s purpose. Yellow was the imperial color, and yellow roofs are common in imperial structures.
Beijing is home to two notable features in terms of architecture and city-layout: siheyuans and hutongs. A siheyuan is a traditional architectural style seen commonly in Beijing. It consists of a housing compound where rooms enclose a central courtyard, usually home to trees and other types of vegetation.
Hutongs are alleys that connect Beijing’s interior. Hutongs usually run east-to-west, which allows doorways to face north and south, which is preferable in Feng Shui. These narrow alleyways used to form a labyrinth across the city, but they are slowly disappearing due to new construction. Some particularly historic hutongs are being preserved and restored by the government as reminder of the Old City.
Related Beijing - People and Culture Articles
- Beijing - People and Culture Overview
- Art in Beijing
- Architecture and City Planning
- Food and Dining in Beijing
- The Concept of Yin and Yang
- Feng Shui
- Religion in Beijing
- Beijing Opera