Ancient & Imperial China: Philosophy, Dynasties & Myths

Chinese Characters (Hanzi) Logographic Logographic script in continuous use since the Shang dynasty, written today across Chinese languages and in Japanese. Han Dynasty 202 BC – 220 AD Second imperial dynasty of China, establishing the Silk Road and Confucian statecraft. Ibn Battuta 1304 – 1369 The Moroccan traveller who covered some 120,000 kilometres, from Mali to China, in thirty years. Japanese Kana Syllabaries (two) Twin syllabaries — cursive hiragana and angular katakana — born from simplified Chinese characters. Marco Polo 1254 – 1324 Venetian merchant whose account of Yuan China carried Asia into the European imagination. Qin Shi Huang 259 – 210 BC First emperor of a unified China, standardiser of script, currency and axle-width, builder of the Terracotta Army. Qing Dynasty 1636 AD – 1912 AD Last imperial dynasty of China, expanding territorial boundaries to modern limits.

Analects Sacred Text The collected sayings of Confucius, assembled by his disciples — the foundational text of the East Asian moral tradition. Ancestral Spirits Concept Spirits of the deceased revered in mythologies like Chinese and African . Ancestral Worship Concept Reverence for deceased ancestors in mythologies like Chinese and African . Celestial Order Concept The structured cosmos in mythologies like Mayan and Chinese , reflecting divine harmony. Chinese Tradition Mythology of China, centered on gods like the Jade Emperor. Cosmic Balance Concept Equilibrium of forces in mythologies like Chinese and Egyptian , ensuring universal order. Cosmic Duality Concept The balance of opposing forces in mythologies like Chinese and Indian . Cosmic Harmony Concept The balance of the universe in mythologies like Chinese and Greek , reflecting divine order. Duality Concept Opposing forces in balance in mythologies like Chinese and Greek . Funerary Item Artifact Objects used in burial rituals across mythologies like Egyptian and Chinese , aiding the afterlife journey. Grettis Saga Sacred Text The saga of Grettir Ásmundarson, Iceland's strongest outlaw, cursed to a long life and a bad end in the highlands. Lunar Myth Concept Stories centered on the moon in mythologies like Chinese and Greek , symbolizing cycles and mystery. Nihon Shoki Sacred Text The "Chronicles of Japan", the court's official history in classical Chinese and the second-oldest book of Japan. Sacred Numbers Concept Numbers with spiritual significance in mythologies like Egyptian and Chinese . Tao Te Ching Sacred Text The classic of the Way and its power, Laozi's terse poem on acting with the grain of nature. Zhuangzi Sacred Text The Daoist masterpiece of stories and paradoxes, teaching freedom through the tale of the butterfly's dream. Zodiac Concept Celestial signs influencing fate in mythologies like Mesopotamian and Chinese .

Dragon Wikidata Q7559 Fire-breathing, winged serpents in Chinese and European myth. Ghost Mythic Being Spirits of the dead in mythologies like Chinese and European . Huodou Wikidata Q10446362 Fire-breathing dog in Chinese myth, tied to destruction. Hvcko Capko Mythic Being Long-eared creature in Native American Creek myth, tied to trickery.

Ancient Chinese Era Ancient Chinese Philosophy in ancient China (c. 1000–221 BCE). Chinese Thinkers Chinese Chinese Thinkers Collective term for philosophers of Chinese traditions. Classical Chinese Era Classical Chinese Philosophy in China (c. 221 BCE–589 CE). Confucian Ethics Topic Chinese philosophy of moral harmony. Confucian Revival School Modern resurgence of Confucian principles. Confucianism School Chinese philosophy of ethics, society. Confucius 551 BCE–479 BCE · Chinese Confucius Chinese philosopher (551–479 BCE), founder of Confucianism , emphasized moral and social order. Confucius’ Ethics Topic Philosophy of virtue, social harmony. Dai Zhen Chinese Dai Zhen Chinese philosopher of Confucianism. Dao Concept Concept of cosmic order. Daoism School Philosophy of harmony with the Dao. Dong Zhongshu 179 BCE–104 BCE · Chinese Dong Zhongshu Chinese philosopher (179–104 BCE), key figure in Neo-Confucianism , integrated cosmology with ethics. Five Elements Concept Concept of fundamental substances. Five Elements Topic Philosophy of elemental cosmology. Gongsun Long 325 BCE–250 BCE · Chinese Gongsun Long Chinese philosopher (c. 325–250 BCE), known for School of Names. Guanzi 720 BCE–645 BCE · Chinese Guanzi Chinese philosopher (c. 720–645 BCE), known for legalism. Guanzi Work Chinese text of political philosophy. Guo Xiang 252–312 · Chinese Guo Xiang Chinese philosopher of Daoism. Han Fei 280 BCE–233 BCE · Chinese Han Fei Chinese philosopher (c. 280–233 BCE), key figure in Legalism . Han Fei’s Legalism Topic Chinese philosophy of strict governance. Huainanzi Chinese Huainanzi Chinese text (c. 139 BCE), attributed to Liu An, known for Daoist syncretism. Hui Shi 370 BCE–310 BCE · Chinese Hui Shi Chinese philosopher (c. 370–310 BCE), known for School of Names. Lao Tzu’s Daoism Topic Philosophy of natural harmony, simplicity. Lao-Tzu Chinese Lao-Tzu Ancient Chinese philosopher (6th–5th century BCE), attributed author of the Tao Te Ching , founder of Daoism. Laozi 604 BCE–500 BCE · Chinese Laozi Chinese philosopher of Daoism. Legalism School Chinese philosophy of strict law, order. Legalism Topic Chinese philosophy of strict law and order. Legalism Governance Topic Chinese philosophy of strict rule. Li Concept Chinese concept of ritual, propriety. Mencius 372 BCE–289 BCE · Chinese Mencius Chinese philosopher (c. 372–289 BCE), known for Confucianism. Mencius’ Morality Topic Confucian philosophy of innate goodness. Mencius’ Nature Topic Chinese philosophy of human goodness. Ming Dynasty Era Ming Dynasty Philosophy in China (c. 1368–1644). Mohism School Chinese philosophy of universal love. Mohism Topic Chinese philosophy of universal love. Mohism Universalism Topic Chinese philosophy of impartial love. Mozi 470 BCE–391 BCE · Chinese Mozi Chinese philosopher (c. 470–391 BCE), founder of Mohism . Mozi’s Universal Love Topic Chinese philosophy of impartial care. Neo-Confucian Era Neo-Confucian Revival of Confucian thought (c. 960–1644). Neo-Confucianism School Revival of Confucian thought with metaphysical elements. Neo-Daoism Topic Revival of Daoist metaphysical thought. Neo-Daoism Mysticism Topic Chinese philosophy of mystical naturalism. Qing Dynasty Era Qing Dynasty Philosophy in China (c. 1644–1912). Ren Concept Confucian concept of humaneness or benevolence. Shang Yang 390 BCE–338 BCE · Chinese Shang Yang Chinese philosopher (390–338 BCE), key figure in Legalism . Sustainability Ethics Topic Ethics of long-term ecological balance. Taoism School Chinese philosophy of harmony, flow. Tu Wei-ming 1940 · Chinese Tu Wei-ming Chinese philosopher of Confucianism. Wang Bi 226–249 · Chinese Wang Bi Chinese philosopher of Daoism. Wang Yangming 1472–1529 · Chinese Wang Yangming Chinese philosopher (1472–1529), key figure in Neo-Confucianism . Wang Yangming’s Mind Topic Chinese philosophy of intuitive knowledge. Xuanxue Topic Chinese philosophy of mystery, being. Xuanxue Metaphysics Topic Chinese metaphysics of mystery, Dao. Xunzi 310 BCE–235 BCE · Chinese Xunzi Chinese philosopher (c. 310–235 BCE), known for Confucianism . Xunzi’s Human Nature Topic Xunzi’s view of human nature as flawed. Xunzi’s Ritual Topic Confucian philosophy of ritual, order. Yang Zhu 440 BCE–360 BCE · Chinese Yang Zhu Chinese philosopher (c. 440–360 BCE), known for ethical egoism. Yangism Topic Chinese philosophy of self-interest and individualism. Yin-Yang Concept Chinese concept of balance, duality. Yinyang Topic Chinese philosophy of dualistic harmony. Yinyang Balance Topic Chinese philosophy of complementary opposites. Zhu Xi 1130–1200 · Chinese Zhu Xi Chinese philosopher (1130–1200), key figure in Neo-Confucianism . Zhu Xi’s Neo-Confucianism Topic Chinese philosophy of moral metaphysics. Zhuangzi 369 BCE–286 BCE · Chinese Zhuangzi Chinese philosopher (c. 369–286 BCE), known for Daoism. Zhuangzi’s Dao Topic Daoist philosophy of spontaneity, nature. Zhuangzi’s Daoism Topic Chinese philosophy of spontaneity, relativism.

Ai Weiwei Architect Chinese artist and architect (b. 1957), known for provocative, socially engaged designs. Ai Weiwei Studio 1999 · Beijing, China Artist’s studio and residence in Beijing, China. Amarbayasgalant Monastery 1736 CE · Mongolia Buddhist monastery in Mongolia (1736 CE), with Chinese-influenced wooden halls. Bank of China Tower 1990 · Hong Kong Modern skyscraper in Hong Kong (1990), with geometric glass facade by I.M. Pei. Beijing Daxing Airport 2019 · Beijing, China. Core Characteristics Starfish-shaped Modern Chinese terminal. Beijing Institute of Civil Engineering Institution Chinese architectural education. Big Wild Goose Pagoda Xi'an, China Chinese Buddhist pagoda. Bogd Khaan Palace 1911 · Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia Royal palace in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia (1893–1911), blending Mongolian and Chinese architectural styles. CCTV Headquarters 2012 CE · Beijing, China Modern skyscraper in Beijing, China (2012 CE), with steel and glass by Rem Koolhaas. Chen Hao Architect Chinese architect (b. 1975), known for minimalist and culturally sensitive designs. Chen Yifeng Architect Chinese architect (b. 1972), known for minimalist and culturally sensitive designs. Chinese Regional Style Architecture with wooden palaces and pagodas. Chinese Architecture Movement Traditional Chinese design, ancient–present. Chinese Craftsmen Architect Artisans of China, known for traditional and imperial structures. Chinese Pavilion Sanssouci 1764 · Potsdam, Germany. Core Characteristics Ornate Rococo German pavilion. Chinoiserie Movement European style inspired by Chinese art. Chinoiserie Style European architecture inspired by Chinese aesthetics. Chrysler Building 1930 CE · New York, USA Art Deco skyscraper in New York, USA (1930 CE), with steel and terracotta. Ci’en Temple 652 CE Buddhist temple in Xi’an, China (circa 652 CE), home to the Great Wild Goose Pagoda. Confucius Temple Qufu 1948 CE · Shandong, China Confucian temple in Shandong, China (478 BCE–1948 CE), with timber halls and courtyards. Dafen Art Museum 2007 · Shenzhen, China Contemporary art museum in Shenzhen, China. Dazu Rock Carvings Chongqing, China Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian rock reliefs in Chongqing, China (circa 7th–13th century). Dong Villages Yao Villages Traditional villages of the Dong people in southern China. Dong Yugan Architect Chinese architect, known for contextual and experimental designs. Dougong Bracketing Technique Chinese interlocking wooden bracket system for structural support. Famen Temple 900 CE · Shaanxi, China Buddhist temple in Shaanxi, China (circa 200–900 CE), with a modern pagoda reconstruction. Feng Shui Theory Chinese philosophy harmonizing architecture with natural energy. Forbidden City 1420 CE · Beijing, China Imperial palace in Beijing, China (1420 CE), with timber and marble. Forbidden City Early 1406 · Beijing, China Imperial palace complex in Beijing, China, from the Ming dynasty. Forbidden City Hue 1945 · Hue, Vietnam Imperial palace in Hue, Vietnam, 1802–1945. Forbidden City Palace 1420 CE · Beijing, China Imperial palace in Beijing, China (1420 CE), with timber halls and courtyards. Giac Lam Pagoda Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 1744. Great Wall of China China Chinese defensive structure. Great Wild Goose Pagoda 652 CE · Xi'an, China Buddhist pagoda in Xi'an, China (652 CE), with brick and timber. Ha Long Floating Villages Vietnam Vietnamese water-based settlements. Hakka Tulou Reuse Adapted Hakka fortified residences. Hanging Temple 491 CE · Shanxi, China Buddhist temple in Shanxi, China (circa 491 CE), built into a cliff with wooden supports. Horyuji Pagoda Nara, Japan Temple in Nara, Japan, 7th century. Hua Li Architect Chinese architect (b. 1972), founder of Trace Architecture Office, known for contextual and minimalist designs. I.M. Pei Architect Chinese-American architect (1917–2019), renowned for modernist and geometric designs. Imperial Chinese Period Imperial Chinese Grand architecture of Chinese dynasties. Iron Pagoda 1049 · Kaifeng, China Song Dynasty tower. Jin Mao Tower 1999 · Shanghai, China Skyscraper in Shanghai, China (1999), blending Chinese pagoda elements with modern design. Jinci Temple Shanxi, China Taoist temple in Shanxi, China (11th century CE), with timber and stone. Jingdezhen Imperial Kiln Museum Jingdezhen, China Museum in Jingdezhen, China, 2020. Jongmyo Shrine 1394 CE · Seoul, South Korea Confucian shrine in Seoul, South Korea (1394 CE), with minimalist wooden halls. Kofuku-ji 710 CE · Nara, Japan Buddhist temple in Nara, Japan (710 CE), with timber and pagoda. Leshan Giant Buddha 803 CE · Sichuan, China Rock-carved Buddha statue in Sichuan, China (713–803 CE), 71 meters tall. Li Xiaodong Architect Chinese architect (b. 1963), known for vernacular and sustainable designs. Liu Jiakun Architect Chinese architect (b. 1956), known for socially engaged and context-driven designs. Longmen Grottoes 1127 CE · Henan, China Buddhist rock-cut caves in Henan, China (circa 493–1127 CE), with carved statues. Lu Wenyu Architect Chinese architect (b. 1966), co-founder of Amateur Architecture Studio, known for vernacular-inspired designs. Ma Yansong Architect Chinese architect (b. 1975), founder of MAD Architects, known for organic and futuristic designs. Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor 210 BCE · China Tomb complex in China (circa 210 BCE), with the Terracotta Army. Micro Hutong Beijing, China Small-scale urban infill in Beijing, China, contemporary. Ming Period Ming Chinese architecture from 1368–1644. Ming Architecture Movement Chinese imperial style. Minimal House Shanghai Shanghai, China Residence in Shanghai, China, contemporary. Minsheng Museum of Modern Art Monument Studio Zhu Pei's conversion of a Panasonic factory in Beijing's 798 district (2015), China's largest private museum of contemporary art. Mogao Caves Dunhuang, China Buddhist cave temples in Dunhuang, China (4th–14th century CE), with rock-cut murals. Mount Tai Temples Shandong, China Daoist and Confucian temples in Shandong, China (circa 3rd century BCE–present), with timber and stone. Mukden Palace 1636 CE · Shenyang, China Qing dynasty palace in Shenyang, China (1625–1636 CE), with Manchurian and Chinese elements. Nanjing University Institution Chinese architectural education. Nepalese Regional Style Architecture with pagoda temples and brick houses. Ningbo Museum Ningbo, China Museum in Ningbo, China, 2008. One Pillar Pagoda 1049 CE · Hanoi, Vietnam Buddhist temple in Hanoi, Vietnam (1049 CE), with a unique single-pillar design. Pagoda Element Multi-tiered tower with upturned eaves. Pagoda at Kew Gardens 1762 · London, UK Chinoiserie folly tower. Pashupatinath Temple Kathmandu, Nepal Hindu temple in Kathmandu, Nepal (circa 5th century CE), with a pagoda-style roof. Puning Temple 1755 CE · Chengde, China Buddhist temple in Chengde, China (1755 CE), with timber and brick. Putuo Zongcheng Temple 1771 CE · Chengde, China Buddhist temple in Chengde, China (1771 CE), blending Chinese and Tibetan styles. Qing Period Qing Chinese architecture from 1644–1912. Qing Architecture Movement Ornate Chinese imperial style. Ramoche Temple Lhasa, Tibet Buddhist temple in Lhasa, Tibet (7th century CE), with Tibetan and Chinese influences. Sagaponac House 2004 · Long Island, New York Modern minimalist residence in Long Island, New York, designed for simplicity. Shanghai Tower 2015 · Shanghai, China Skyscraper in Shanghai, China (2015), with a twisted glass facade and sustainable design. Shaolin Temple 495 CE · Henan, China Buddhist monastery in Henan, China (495 CE), famed for martial arts and Zen Buddhism. Shu Wang Architect Chinese architect (b. 1963), co-founder of Amateur Architecture Studio, known for vernacular and cultural designs. Shwedagon Pagoda Yangon, Myanmar Buddhist stupa in Yangon, Myanmar (circa 6th century CE), with gold-plated dome. Small Wild Goose Pagoda 707 CE Buddhist pagoda in Xi’an, China (707 CE), with brick and timber structure. Song Period Song Chinese architecture from 960–1279. South China Sea Regional Style Architecture with stilted houses and floating villages. Southeast University Institution Leading architectural school in Nanjing, China. Summer Palace 1750 CE · Beijing, China Imperial garden in Beijing, China (1750 CE), with timber pavilions and stone bridges. Taipei 101 2004 · Taipei, Taiwan Skyscraper in Taipei, Taiwan (2004), with pagoda-inspired design and earthquake-resistant engineering. Wikipedia Temple of Heaven 1420 CE · Beijing, China Imperial altar complex in Beijing, China (1420 CE), with circular wooden halls. Temple of Literature Hanoi 1070 CE · Hanoi, Vietnam Confucian temple in Hanoi, Vietnam (1070 CE), with timber and brick. Terracotta Material Fired clay used for decorative and structural elements. Terracotta Army Ancient Chinese mausoleum. Three Gorges Dam 2003 · China Massive hydroelectric dam in China. Tran Quoc Pagoda Hanoi, Vietnam Buddhist temple in Hanoi, Vietnam (6th century CE), with a multi-tiered tower. Tsinghua University Institution Leading university in Beijing, China, with a notable architecture school. Tulou Collective Housing Fujian, China Fortified residences in Fujian, China, 12th–20th centuries. Urbanus Liu Xiaodu Architect Chinese architect (b. 1967), co-founder of Urbanus, known for urban renewal projects. Vernacular Period Vernacular Vernacular as a period label : the long pre-modern building tradition, before industrialised materials and formal styles. Vĩnh Nghiêm Pagoda 1971 CE · Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Buddhist pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (1971 CE), with seven-story tower. Wang Meng Architect Chinese architect, known for contextual and sustainable designs. Wang Shu Architect Chinese architect (b. 1963), known for blending traditional Chinese aesthetics with modern design, 2012 Pritzker Prize winner. White Horse Temple Luoyang, China Buddhist temple in Luoyang, China (68 CE), with timber and brick. Wild Goose Pagoda Xi'an, China. Core Characteristics Tiered Chinese Buddhist pagoda. Wudang Mountains China Taoist temple complex in China (circa 14th–15th century), integrated with the landscape. Xiangshan Campus 2007 · Hangzhou, China China Academy of Art campus in Hangzhou, China, blending tradition and modernity. Xu Tiantian Architect Chinese architect, known for rural revitalization and contextual designs. Yangliping Performing Arts Center 2016 · Yunnan, China Cultural venue in Yunnan, China, inspired by local traditions. Yangshuo Sugarhouse 2017 · Yangshuo, China Converted industrial structure in Yangshuo, China, blending contemporary and adaptive reuse . Yangtze Basin Regional Style Chinese architecture with stilted houses and pavilions. Yellow River Basin Regional Style Chinese architecture with courtyard houses and temples. Yingxian Pagoda 1056 · Shanxi, China Ancient wooden pagoda in Shanxi, China, a Liao dynasty masterpiece. Yonghe Temple 1694 CE · Beijing, China Buddhist temple in Beijing, China (circa 1694 CE), blending Chinese and Tibetan styles. Yu Hao Architect Chinese architect of the Song dynasty. Yuan Period Yuan Chinese architecture from 1271–1368. Yuan Temples 1368 Temples from Yuan Dynasty, China, 1271–1368. Yueyang Tower Hunan, China Chinese historical pavilion. Yung Ho Chang Architect Chinese architect (b. 1956), founder of Atelier FCJZ, known for experimental and contextual designs. Yungang Grottoes Shanxi, China Buddhist cave temples in Shanxi, China (5th–6th century CE), with rock-cut sculptures. Zao Zeng Architect Chinese architect (b. 1968), known for sustainable and culturally sensitive designs. Zao Zhuang Architect Chinese architect, known for innovative residential and cultural designs rooted in Chinese traditions. Zhang Ke Architect Chinese architect (b. 1970), known for contextual and adaptive urban designs. Zhang Lei Architect Chinese architect (b. 1964), founder of AZL Architects, known for vernacular-inspired designs. Zhu Pei Architect Chinese architect (b. 1962), known for contextual and cultural designs.