UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritages in China (Ⅲ) (6)

Chinese traditional architectural craftsmanship for timber-framed structures

The item, "Chinese traditional architectural craftsmanship for timber-framed structures" was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009.

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 advance.

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.