"Standing as distinctive symbols of Chinese architectural culture, timber-framed structures are found throughout the country. The wooden components such as the columns, beams, purlins, lintel and bracket sets are connected by tenon joints in a flexible, earthquake-resistant way. The surprisingly strong frames can be installed quickly at the building site by assembling components manufactured in advanced. In addition to this structural carpentry, the architectural craft also encompasses decorative woodworking, tile roofing, stonework, decorative painting and other arts passed down from masters to apprentices through verbal and practical instruction. Each phase of the construction procedure demonstrates its unique and systematic methods and skills. Employed today mainly in the construction of structures in the traditional style and in restoring ancient timber-framed buildings, Chinese traditional architectural craftsmanship for timber-framed structures embodies a heritage of wisdom and craftsmanship and reflects an inherited understanding of nature and interpersonal relationships in traditional Chinese society. For the carpenters and artisans who preserve this architectural style, and for the people who have lived in and among the spaces defined by it for generations, it has become a central visual component of Chinese identity and an important representative of Asian architecture." Source: UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
Here is a selection from my postcard collections:
Postcard 1
Temple of Heaven, Beijing. Nice colorful waterfall stamp used. Thanks to Zhu of China.
Postcard 2
Shenyang Imperial Palace - Hall of DazhengShenyang (Mukden) was an imperial city and the capital of the northern province of Liaoning near North Korea. Thanks to Yang Shu for sending this nice card from Shenyang.
Postcard 3
Hall of Chengzhi Mansion in Hongcun, Anhui. Many nice stamps. Thanks to sender from Xinlun, Fujian, China.
Postcard 4
The City God's Temple of Pingyao, Shanxi, China. Many nice stamps used. Thanks to "Qusia" of China.
Postcard 5
Architecture - China Traditional Technology Exhibition - Beijing Science and Technology Museum.
