The most significant difference between traditional Chinese architecture and traditional western architecture is the construction material. Most ancient Western buildings were built up with stones, solemn and magnificent. Most importantly, they survive today. Ancient Chinese people were good at using wood, and created the complex mortise and tenon joint structure to bring in the unique aesthetics of ancient Chinese wooden architecture. Most of the palaces, temples and pagodas of ancient China were built with wood. They were energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly and durable, but were easily destroyed by fire in history. Fortunately, there are still many ancient Chinese wooden architecture gems left and preserved today.

Chinese architecture is almost as old as Chinese civilization. The wooden architecture of stilt style founded in the Site of Neolithic Age is the earliest to date, with a history of over 6000 years. The wood and mud walls of Neolithic Village have a history of around 5000 years. In addition, archaeologists have found massive wooden palaces and imperial tombs in Yin Ruins, Henan Province, dating back to 1400 BC - 1100 BC during the Shang Dynasty. Over the next 3,000 years, Chinese wooden architecture, through the replacements of dozens of dynasties, retains its prominent features. Of China’s 50 UNESCO heritage sites, most are cultural heritages related to architecture.

The wooden buildings of ancient China, whether they are royal palaces or folk houses, whether they are located in the densely populated capitals or thinly populated mountainous areas, follow the same architectural system, which has three basic elements, a huge foundation platform, a timber frame and body, wooden ceiling with decorated roof.