How many major factions are there in Chinese architecture?
Strictly speaking, there are no divisions of schools in Chinese architecture. The factions formed are based on the local residents who have long formed different styles of residences based on local customs. The most considered elements are local precipitation and sunshine. and other climatic conditions. According to this style and use, Chinese architecture can be divided into the following six categories: Fujian School, Sichuan School, Anhui School, Beijing School, Su School, and Jin School.
1. Wanpai architecture, also known as Wannan architecture, is one of the most prominent architectural styles among the five major architectural schools and is the representative of folk residences in southern China. The most familiar Hui style is a branch of the Wan style. The Hui style houses are the most representative ones in Xidi and Hongcun in Yixian County. They were included in the "World Heritage List" in 2000. The architectural styles of Huizhou folk houses include the "Three Uniques" (residences, ancestral halls, and archways) and the "Three Carvings" (wood carvings, stone carvings, and brick carvings). Hui-style architecture is obviously an ancient architectural style popular around Anhui. Green tiles and white walls are the outstanding impressions of Huizhou architecture. The well-proportioned horse head wall not only has the beauty of shape, but more importantly, it has the practical function of fire prevention and blocking the spread of fire.
2. One of the characteristics of Huizhou folk houses is the high walls and deep courtyards. On the one hand, it is a defense against thieves, and on the other hand, it is the need for psychological safety of migratory families who have suffered from displacement. Another characteristic of Huizhou folk houses is the inward courtyard formed with a deep patio as the center, surrounded by high walls. There are almost no tiles visible from the outside. Only the narrow patio is used for lighting and ventilation to communicate with the outside world. This basic form with the patio as the center and enclosed by high walls is the focus of people's attention. On rainy days, rainwater flows from the four roofs into the courtyard, which is commonly known as "four waters return to the hall". It also vividly reflects the mentality of Huizhou merchants that "rich water does not flow out of the fields", which is similar to Jin style folk houses.
3. Min-style folk houses are an architectural style popular in southern Fujian, of which "earth buildings" are its most distinctive representatives. Fujian Earth Buildings are found in most parts of the province, especially in Zhangzhou and Longyan areas in southwestern Fujian. Among them, Yongding County in the west and Nanjing, Pinghe, Hua'an and other counties in the south are most concentrated. Residential buildings that are residential and have defensive properties. It originated from the ancient Central and Native earth-block building technology. It appeared in the Song and Yuan Dynasties, reached its peak in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and continues to this day.
4. Beijing style. Among the courtyard houses in northern China, Beijing style architecture is the most typical, and among the Beijing style buildings, courtyard houses are the most typical. Siheyuan is a traditional residence in Beijing and even North China. The courtyard house in Beijing is famous because although it is a residential building, it contains profound cultural connotations and is the carrier of traditional Chinese culture. The construction of a courtyard house is very particular about Feng Shui. From site selection and positioning to determining the specific scale of each building, all must be carried out according to Feng Shui theory. Feng Shui theory is actually ancient Chinese architectural environment science and an important part of traditional Chinese residential architecture theory. This Feng Shui theory has been guiding ancient Chinese construction activities for thousands of years. In addition to Feng Shui theory, the decoration, carvings and paintings of courtyards also reflect folk customs and traditional culture, expressing people's pursuit of happiness, beauty, wealth and auspiciousness under certain historical conditions. For example, the pattern composed of the characters "bat" and "longevity" means "good fortune and longevity", the pattern of rose flowers placed in the vase means "peace in all seasons", and the auspicious words and auspicious words embedded in the door tubes and door headers are attached to the eaves pillars. The couplets holding pillars, as well as the masterpieces of calligraphy and painting hanging indoors, are a collection of ancient teachings from sages and famous quotes from ancient and modern times. They either praise the beauty of mountains and rivers, or inscribe the learning of life, or chant the ambition of the swan. They are elegant and full of rich cultural atmosphere. , Densi Courtyard is like stepping into a palace of traditional Chinese culture.
5. Supai folk houses refer to the architectural style in Jiangsu and Zhejiang areas. They are the culmination of northern and southern architectural styles. Garden-style layout is one of its distinctive features. Supai folk houses are mainly south-facing, so that they can be protected in winter. With the wind at your back and the sun facing you, you can enjoy the cool breeze in the summer. It is full of the charm of the ancient culture of the Jiangnan water town. The roof has a high ridge angle, plus a walking horse tower, a brick gate tower, exposed tile windows, a street crossing, etc. The white walls and black tiles are row upon row, light and simple, simple and elegant, reflecting the artistic characteristics of clean, light, elegant and simple. The theory of traditional Chinese garden layout pursuing twists and turns: garden-style layout pays attention to structure, the layout is winding and deep, there must be detours in direct exposure, and there must be ups and downs in soothing places. Traditional Chinese garden layout pays attention to the word "hidden" (compared to European gardens). It is a royal garden with a large scale. The garden is straight to the point and can be seen at a glance.
Traditional Chinese gardens emphasize borrowing scenery. The ancient buildings distributed in traditional Chinese gardens are: halls, halls, studios, pavilions, buildings, terraces, pavilions, pavilions, portals, verandas, patios and lanes.
6. Jin style is just a general term, which refers not only to Shanxi but also to parts of Shaanxi, Gansu, Ningxia and Qinghai. However, among these areas, the architectural style in Shanxi is more mature. Jin style architecture is roughly divided into two categories: one is the urban architecture in Shanxi, which is the Jin style architecture in a narrow sense; the other is the cave dwelling architecture in northern Shaanxi and surrounding areas, which is also the most widely distributed type of architecture in the northwest region. style.