Early in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), people started to build Western-style buildings in China. During the Qianlong reign (1736-1795) in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Western-style architecture came into being in Yuanmingyuan (the Old Summer Palace), a former royal resort in Beijing that was burned down by invading British and French military forces in 1860 during the Second Opium War (1856-1860).
Aug 20, 2018Windows are important components of ancient Chinese buildings. They are designed in various styles and can be mainly classified into sill windows, support windows (Hehe window in Chinese), and openwork windows, and are made with special patterns and decorations to reveal cultural symbols and embody the aesthetics, social status and wealth of their owners.
Aug 20, 2018The art of traditional Chinese gardens has a long history and elegant taste. As an art, it embodies rich traditional Chinese culture. So what cultural connotations do plants in classical Chinese gardens convey? Cuijin Garden in Prince Kung's Palace is a classic representation of traditional gardens in northern China. What kinds of beauty do its flowers and trees show to the visitors?
Aug 20, 2018The snowy scenes in the magnificent Grand Viewing Garden (Daguanyuan in Chinese) of Jia Family in the well-known domestic novel A Dream of Red Mansions are fully reflected in the title of its 49th chapter, "White Snow and Red Plum Blossom in the Crystal World."
Aug 20, 2018Pavilions are a special architectural form with Chinese characteristics. Traditional Chinese pavilions can be classified into many categories in terms of functions, building materials, and structures.
Aug 20, 2018