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在线翻译:
szdaily -> Travel -> 
Ten best examples
    2011-11-21  08:53    Shenzhen Daily

    CHINA’s long and complex history has given rise to 10 types of architecture. They not only fuse different structural and decorative forms, but are also influenced by Chinese concepts such as fengshui and yin and yang.

    Imperial Prime Minister’s Palace

    The 36,000-square-meter Imperial Prime Minister’s Palace, which is situated in Jincheng City in Shanxi Province, is a famous historic site. It was home to Chen Tingjing, an imperial tutor during the Qing Dynasty. Emperor Kangxi bequeathed the property to him.

    The palace has 19 gardens and yards, 640 rooms and nine castle gates. Both interior and exterior are heavily fortified. It has a wall which is 1,700 meters long and 12 meters high.

    The Imperial Prime Minister’s Palace was designed into two Oriental architectural styles. The interior was designed in a Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) style known as “Residential Architecture.” The outside complex was completed in 1703, and it was named as Zhong Daozhuang or East Academy Room. The West Garden and Chen Tingjing’s study are located in the center of the complex.

    Transport: Fly to Taiyuan City in Shanxi Province at Shenzhen International Airport, then take a bus to Jincheng City.

    Accommodation: There is a wide selection of hotels and hostels in Jincheng City.

    Cuisine: Try beef, pork, noodles and local snacks.

    The Fujian tulou property, built between the 11th and 20th centuries as homes for entire clans in Fujian Province, is a large group of civilian residential buildings constructed with rammed earth and in a wooden framework. Examples of the architecture can be found in Longyan and Zhangzhou cities.

    Hakka, a branch of the Han nationality that migrated from the Yellow River Basin in the 11th century, built tulou buildings using rammed earth, bamboo, wood and stone, which is now considered a pioneering method.

    Built according to the concept of “round heaven and square earth” and fengshui, and in a certain scale to meet the needs of the whole clan living together and a sound defensive function, most of the tulou buildings nestle among hills and streams, reflecting the importance of harmony with nature.

    Transport: Buses depart for Longyan and Zhangzhou cities at most bus stations in Shenzhen. Then take a bus to Yongding or Hua’an counties.

    Accommodation: There is a wide selection of hotels and hostels there. Or stay at Qiaofu Tulou in Yongding, which is strongly recommended by visitors.

    Cuisine: Try salted chicken, stuffed bean curd, pork, wild vegetables and soup with traditional Chinese herbs.

    Qiao Family Compound

    The massive Qiao Family Compound in Qixian County in Shanxi Province is the former residence of Qiao Zhiyong, the third-generation commercial tycoon of the Qiao family in Shanxi Province. The ornate compound was built in 1756 during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

    In 1991, a film directed by Chinese director Zhang Yimou, named “Raise the Red Lantern,” was shot there, making the compound famous.

    The castle-like compound is enclosed by a brick wall more than 12 meters tall and consists of six large courtyards and 20 smaller courtyards around which 313 rooms are linked. Within each courtyard are smaller courtyards and gardens. From the outside, it appears majestic and heavily fortified. The inside is luxuriously furnished and well laid out with exquisite patterns carved on the doors, windows, stairs and balustrades.

    The layout is in the shape of the Chinese character for “double happiness.” The architecture employs a vast range of contrasting roof styles, which vary from gentle slopes to high peaks.

    Transport: Fly to Taiyuan City in Shanxi Province at Shenzhen International Airport, then take a bus or train to Qixian County.

    Accommodation: There is a wide selection of hotels and hostels in Taiyuan City and Qixian County. Or you can stay with the locals.

    Cuisine: A must-have is local beef. Wild vegetables, pork and noodles are also recommended.

    (Jane Lai)

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