Brief Introduction of The Architecture of the Ming Dynasty

During the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), China entered into a late feudal society. Buildings at this time generally followed the Song style and changed very little. New buildings, however, regained previous grandeur.

City layouts and palace structures built during this period continued patterns from previous generations. The capital city of Beijing and the ancient city of Nanjing all benefited from Ming's layout. The Qing's emperor palace was also enlarged on the basis of Ming construction. During this period, Beijing was rebuilt to include the outer city, the inner city and the emperor city.

China's architectural achievements reached new heights during the Ming dynasty. Builders continued to fortify the Great Wall. Many walls and fortresses in some important parts were made of brick. During this period, the Great Wall extended 5660 kilometers. It reached from the Yalu River in the east, to the Jiayuguan in Gansu Province in the west. It covered famous fortresses like Shanhaiguan and Jiayuguan and was a unique accomplishment of Chinese architecture. The segment of Badaling Great Wall and Simatai Great Wall both boasted of high artistic value.

Timber frame construction and building techniques further developed during this time. Government offices were more refined and the decoration and paintings became more unified with the use of new materials. Brick became a regular building material for the homes of common people.

In the Ming Dynasty, buildings were grouped better as can be seen in the Mingxiao Mausoleum in Nanjing and the Shisan Mausoleum in Beijing.

In addition, bureaucrat's private gardens south of the Changjiang River became very popular and were further enhanced. Ming furniture became famous around the world.

Geomantic omen were also further developed during the Ming period. Geomantic omen is a special ancient cultural phenomenon of China and remains influential today.

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