ARCHITECTURE

= __ Ancient Chinese Architectur e __ = = = =Intro= Chinese Architecture, or rather Chinese buildings and structures are truly amazing. Thier ancient buildings are perhaps even more amazing than those of modern day china. This is because of the fact that nowadays technology for building is much greater than it was in the past. Yet The structures they created were still just as incredible.

The Great Wall of China was built a long time ago in ancient times. It was built to protect the Chinese people from their enemies. It not only kept the people safe but also made them very proud. They were proud because it was a beautiful and amazing wall that was 4,161miles long. That is as along as going across the United States twice! No one else in the world had built anything like it. People from all over the world admired the Wall and were impressed with the Chinese people. The Great Wall was not just a wall but also had towers and forts built into it. Soldiers could live right at the wall and store their weapons and supplies. It was more like a long thin city than just a wall. The wall curved around the mountains and country side of China. It was not just a straight line. Since it curved around mountains and over hills many people thought it was very beautiful. They told many stories about the wall and how it was built. They told these stories for thousands of years and spoke of Great Wall as if it had magical power. Maybe it did have special power because it caused other counttries to build great structures and made the rest of the world admire the Chinese people. The Great Wall became so famous that became known as one of the wonders of the ancient world. You can visit the Great Wall of China today and millions of people still do every year. =]

(The Great Wall of China) Great Wall of China

The most amazing of all of the ancient chinese strustures by far is the huge Great Wall of China. It sretches thousands of miles across China and is the largest wall in existence. It was created to help keep out the many invaders especially the tribes of Mongol, called the Mongolians. It is also their to help establish a physical boundary between China and its neighbors. This magnificent wall was built, destroyed, rebuilt, and maintained for well over 5000 years and can still be seen to this day. However it no longer serves any purpose other than to stand as a manmade landmark and attraction.

(The Forbidden City) The Forbidden City Known as the Forbidden City, the Imperial Palace was the home to over 25 different Chinese Emperors. Although it was much more than just a house for the royalty. The Imperial Palace was one of the largest and most important palaces to have ever been built. It was so big and complex that it took over 15 years to finish building. The Imperial Palace got its second name from the peasants and working class people of China. The palace, or rather city, was consider to be a very sacred place and was worthy of only the most noble and holy of people. It was off limits to most ordinary people and so it was given the name the Forbidden City.

(Temple of Heaven) The Temple Of Heaven The Temple Of Heaven is an even larger and more incredible structure than that of the Imperial Palace. This teple was created as a "dwelling of heaven" or a place for the Chinese priests and people could pray and pay respect to the heavens. The reason that this temple was more amazing than the Imperial Palace was planned. The emperors, who feared being unpopular, thought they would insult the heavens and the people of China by makinf thier own home lareger than the Temple of Heaven. Also again through fear of losing the respect of their people, the Emperors would make sure to take time to travel to the Temple of Heaven to pray for a good crop and the good fortune of China. If they did not do this then it could mean trouble for their reign over China. The Temple of Heaven. [Online Image] Available [], March 23, 2009. The Forbidden City with water. [Online Image] Available [], March 23, 2009. The Forbidden City with statue. [Online Image] Available [], March 23, 2009. The Great Wall of China. [Online Image] Available [], March 23. 2009.

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