The basic feature of Chinese architecture is rectangular units of space joined together into a whole. Temples in ancient Greece also employed rectangular spaces，but the overall effect had austere tendencies. By contrast, the Chinese style combines rectangular shapes varying in size and position according to importance into an organic whole with each level and component clearly distinguished. As a result，traditional Chinese style buildings have an imposing yet dynamic exterior.

中国建筑的基本特征是将矩形空间单位连成一个整体。古希腊的庙宇也采用了矩形空间，但是整体效果倾向于朴素。与此相反，中式建筑则根据各种大小和位置的矩形体的重要性将其连成一个整体，同时每一层和每个组成部分都明显地得到突出。这使得中式建筑物威严且不失活力。

Traditional Architecture

传统建筑

Ancient Chinese architecture enjoys a long history and great achievements,and created many architectural miracles such as the Great Wall. In the process of its development, superior architectural techniques and artistic design were tombiped to make unique Chinese architecture one of the three greatest orchitectural systems.

中国的古代建筑拥有悠久的历史，取得过巨大的成就，它创造出长城等许多建筑奇迹。在它的发展过程中将出色的建筑技巧和艺术设计结合在一起，从而使独特的中国建筑成为最杰出三大建筑体系之一。

The combinations of units of space in traditional Chinese architecture follow the principles of balance and symmetry. The main structure is the axis, and the secondary structures are positioned as two wings on each side to form the main rooms and yard. Residences，official buildings，temples，and palaces all follow these basic principles. The distribution of interior space reflects Chinese social and ethical values. For instance，in traditional residential buildings, members of a family are assigned living quarters based on the family hierarchy. The master of the house occupies the main room， and the elder members of the master's family live in the compound in the back. The younger members of the family live in the wings to the left and right; those with seniority on the left and the others on the right.

传统中国建筑在将空间单位联成一体时遵循的是平衡与对称的原则。主结构就是轴线，而次要结构则置于每一面的两翼，从而构成主屋和院子。住宅、官方建筑、寺院以及宫殿都遵循这些基本原则。内部空间的分配反映出中国的社会观和伦理观。例如在传统的住宅建筑中，一个家庭根据等级向其成员分配住房。一家之主住在主屋中，而这家的长辈则居住在后面建筑中。这个家的年轻成员则居住在左右两翼;资历较高的居住左侧，而其他人则住在右侧。

Another characteristic of traditional Chinese architecture is its use of a wooden structural frame with pillars，beams, and earthen walls surrounding the building on three sides. The main door and windows are in front. Chinese have used wood as a main construction material for thousands of years;wood to the Chinese repreBents life, and "life" is the main idea that Chinese culture strives to communicate.This feature has been preserved up to the present.

传统中国建筑的另一个特点就是它使用了木结构框架和桂子、梁以及三面环绕建筑物的土墙。正门和窗户位于前面。几千年来，中国人将木头作为主要的建筑材料;木头对中国人来说代表着生命，而“生命”是中国文化力图传递的主要思想，这一特点一直沿用至今。

Based on the structure of the wooden beams and pillars，traditional Chinese rectangular buildings are divided into several rooms.In order to cover the structure with an over-hanging roof,the Chinese invented a special type of support bracket,called which both supports the and is an attractive ornamentation.

通过木梁和木柱的结构，中国传统的矩形建筑物被分割为数间房间。为了对结构使用高悬的房顶，中国人发明出一种被称之为斗拱的特殊支架，它既对结构起到支撑作用也是极富吸引力的装饰。