classical chinese
Traditional Chinese architecture with prominent roof eaves and an emphasis on vertical and horizontal hierarchies.
Classical Chinese architecture is the indigenous style of historical China, characterized by symmetrical structures with a strong horizontal emphasis and clear structural articulation. Roofs are usually the most dominant element in appearance, with broadly overhanging eaves and articulated ridgelines.
Plans are usually rectilinear, although octagons are common for some types of structure. Round arches are used occasionally, especially in bridges, and circular doorways or gateways are used sometimes. Building plans are often influenced by religious concepts such as feng shui and numerology, which prescribe optimal arrangements and quantities for the spiritual benefit or fortune of the structure's users.
The symmetrical, strongly horizontal arrangement is usually organized beneath visually dominant roofs. Occasional circular gateways or octagonal structures can occur within that tradition without replacing its general rectilinear organization.
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