Vernacular Dwellings
Vernacular dwellings of China refers to the indigenous architectural styles that have their roots in the rustic landscape, and centers on residential houses, and includes structures such as ancestral temples, opera houses, and memorial gateways. The origination and development of Chinese local architecture are closely related to the society and lifestyle of the people. They are also reflective of people's state of production, customs and habits, ethnic differences, religious beliefs; at the same time, an accumulation of people's aesthetic orientation and social awareness.
Patriarchal ideology and moral principles, as well as the doctrines of Yin-Yang and the five elements have a far- reaching influence on the external and internal layouts and the creation of space in Chinese traditional local architecture. As the Chinese people attached great significance to the tradition of honoring their ancestors, hence the ancestral temple, where the ancestors are revered, is often the most important building in a household, or even an entire village, and it is the center around which other buildings are built.
The concept of Li (respect) in Chinese ancient patriarchal system and ethical codes is centered on the relationship between father and son, the order of seniority, and the social differences between men and women. In terms of the layout of a residence, the room that belongs to the parents - known as the principal room - is placed in the center along the axis of the house, the wing - rooms, which are occupied by children and grand children, would be situated in the eastern and western sides of the principal room. Such difference is also apparent in the difference sizes of the buildings and their interior design and decorations.
Feng Shui (Geomantic omen) is a school of geomancy based on China's ancient doctrine of five elements - used in deciphering the vest locations for building a residence and burial. The ancient Chinese believed that a building's Feng Shui could greatly influence the prosperity and development of a family, hence it was the first thing that must be considered when choosing the location of a house, in designing its layout an in creation of space within the house.
China has a large territory and a wide spectrum of ethnic groups. The varied natural landscapes and ethnic customs give rise to a colorful and rich characteristic in the various architectural styles that are apparent in residences all across China. These residences are not only unique in its building structure, but are also wide in variety. For instance, Siheyuan Building (Courtyard houses), Northwest Cave Dwelling, Huizhou Dwillings, upland Dwellings in SiChuan-Chongqing Region, Earthen Houses of Fujian, the Mongolian Yurt, Aywang of Xinjiang, Tibetan Stone House and the Bamboo House of Dai Ethnic Group in Yunnan.
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