Chinese Architecture, a Miniature of the Cosmos

Over thousands of years, the Chinese people have developed their own architectural style.
Chinese Architecture, a Miniature of the Cosmos
Corner tower of the Forbidden City, Beijing. CC BY-SA 3.0
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Modern architecture juts into the sky, declaring its dominance over us mere humans. It doesn’t connect us with the heavens; it seems to challenge heaven for a fight.

Over thousands of years, the Chinese have developed their own architectural style. Based on the tenets of Taoism and Buddhism, it reflects the Chinese understanding that the heavens, the earth, and human beings are intimately connected. Japan, Korea, and much of Asia copied this style.

Harmony Between Heaven and Earth

“I Ching: The Book of Changes” and other writings say that ancient peoples acted according to the laws of heaven, earth, nature, and the time of year. Taoist philosophy was based on the central element, that which gives birth to the heavens, the earth, and humans.
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