Chinese Buddhist Architecture
1 min readBuddhist architecture is the main type of ancient Chinese architecture and also the classic collection of culture from every ancient Chinese period.Chinese Buddhist architecture consists of temple，pagoda and grotto.During the Han Dynasty，Buddhist architecture was introduced into China with Buddhism，and it was mixed with local Chinese architectural arts and culture.
As the central structure of spreading Buddhism in China，the temple is where cenobites introduced their religious life.Since emperors of dynasties believed in Buddhism，temples were built like mushrooms，usually splendid like palaces，for many were built under imperial orders.
Chinese Buddhist architecture follows a balanced style strictly.Usually the main building will be set on the central axis，facing the south.Other structures will be on the west and east sides.The temple gate，the Heavenly King Hall，the Main Hall and the Library of Sutras tand on the axis one after another.
The pagoda is also the main part of Buddhist architecture，with many different styles and strong local flavors.Pagodas followed Buddhism into China around the first century，and developed into pavilion-like pagodas after being connected with traditional Chinese architecture.Now the highest existing pagoda stands 40 meters high and lasts for 1，400 years even after several earthquakes.Among the 3，000 existing pagodas，there are alltimber pagodas，brick pagodas，stone pagodas，bronze pagodas and iron pagodas.
