With summer vacation in full swing, many people take the opportunity to travel, seeking relaxation while broadening their horizons through exploration. Iconic landmarks in China are among the top tourist attractions, especially the ancient architecture that draws numerous visitors from around the globe. From the magnificent temples to the grand palaces, China's rich and colorful ancient architectural culture is filled with history and the wisdom of ancient builders, with each structure telling its own story. Let us take you on a journey through China's ancient architecture to discover these stunning "construction" traces!
Hanging Monastery
"Hanging Monastery, half a sky high, three horse tails suspended in the air," as the saying goes. Perched on a steep mountainside, the Hanging Monastery, known as the "first scenic spot" among the Eighteen Views of Hengshan, is flanked by cliffs and nearly 100 meters above the ground, earning its title as one of the world's top ten most thrilling buildings. This renowned temple astonishes visitors not only with its magnificent appearance but also with its architectural ingenuity. Weighing about ten tons, the monastery is supported by twenty-seven "iron flat beams," which anchor the center of gravity in solid rock, utilizing principles of mechanics to ensure stability. This alone has allowed the temple to stand for over a thousand years.
Sakyamuni Pagoda at Fogong Temple
Located in Shanxi, the Foguang Temple Shakyamuni Pagoda is regarded as one of the three great towers in the world, alongside Italy's Leaning Tower of Pisa and France's Eiffel Tower. Although it doesn't match the height of the Eiffel Tower or the unique appearance of the Leaning Tower, it still captivates visitors due to its entirely wooden structure. This tallest wooden pagoda in the world was built without a single brick or nail, relying solely on interlocking wooden brackets and beams. Over nearly a thousand years, the wooden pagoda has withstood wars and earthquakes, thanks to its unique construction method: a combination of visible and hidden layers, along with fifty-four different forms of brackets, providing excellent seismic resistance.
Great Wall of China
The well-known Great Wall of China is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stretching over 21,000 kilometers. Built to defend against invasions, this world-famous structure is remarkable not only for its grandeur but also for the architectural wisdom embedded within it. To ensure the wall's stability, craftsmen used a special building material—"glutinous rice mortar," made from boiled glutinous rice combined with loess. This specially formulated mortar is stronger and more flexible than regular loess mixed with water, allowing the Great Wall to stand resiliently for thousands of years.
Without the aid of modern machinery, these architectural feats are truly awe-inspiring, showcasing the extraordinary skills of ancient craftsmen. If you want to embark on an architectural journey this summer, join the special summer mission—"Searching for 'Construction' Traces"—at the Small Campus . Through a series of mini-games, you can explore China's famous historical sites, including the Hanging Monastery and the Great Wall. Log in to Little Campus now and start your summer exploration journey!