Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Dǒugǒng
Stand under the eaves of a temple roof and look up. Notice the complex system of two-
or four-arm brackets? These brackets (very apparent when you see them) are called
dǒugǒng
and are unique to Chinese architecture. In fact, they are considered the very
heart of the system.
Dǒugǒng
gives builders a high degree of freedom during construction and is one reas-
on why Chinese architecture can be found across a wide region so varying in climate.
Detail of a mural at Bao'an Temple (
Click here
), Taipei
RICHARD I'ANSON/GETTY IMAGES ©
Spiderweb Plafond Ceilings
This type of inverted ceiling (like in a cathedral) is constructed with exposed
dǒugǒng
arms that extend up and around in a spiderweb pattern (sometimes swirling like a vor-
tex). Plafond ceilings are probably the most striking of all temple architectural features.
