Ancient craftsmanship meets modern creators

The exhibition showcases physical models of the "eight great Liao structures", covering eight major ancient construction techniques, including brickwork, tilework, stonework, large woodwork, small woodwork, ridge decoration, and ironwork.

It also displays traditional building tools, offering visitors a comprehensive look at the craftsmanship and aesthetic principles behind ancient Chinese architecture.

Wang Xiaolong, deputy director of Shanxi Academy of Ancient Building and Painted Sculpture &Fresco Preservation, says Liao Dynasty wooden structures represent a crucial stage in the evolution of Chinese architecture and reflect the cultural integration of multiple ethnic groups.

"The 'eight great Liao structures' are essential benchmarks for the study of architectural styles and historical periods," he says. "Shanxi preserves three of the finest surviving Liao buildings, each possessing exceptional architectural and research value.

"Timber-frame construction, defined by its wooden framework, dougong bracket system and mortise-and-tenon joints, is one of the most distinctive achievements of Chinese civilization," he says. "The Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, for example, demonstrates remarkable innovation through its alternating bright and hidden structural layers, reflecting ancient builders' exploration of stability in tall wooden buildings."

Treasure house

Shanxi is widely regarded as a treasure house of ancient Chinese architecture. According to Wang, every major surviving Tang Dynasty timber structure is located in the province, and wooden structures from the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms (907-960) period, Song Dynasty, Jin Dynasty (1115-1234), and Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) here account for more than 70 percent of the nation's surviving examples from each period.

Wooden structures from before the Yuan Dynasty make up 82.5 percent of the national total.

"Although Shanxi also has the largest number of surviving Liao Dynasty wooden structures, they account for only 37.5 percent of the national total," Wang says. "The province's three surviving examples are exceptionally valuable and were included among China's first group of nationally protected cultural relics in 1961."

As a young architectural creator and international cultural communicator, Yaputra believes the preservation of ancient architecture should resonate with today's generation.

"Young people today cannot simply repeat the construction methods of ancient craftsmen," he says. "Every era has its own cultural mission, and new technologies and fresh perspectives are how contemporary society can continue this cultural legacy.

"I have the deepest respect for the generations of architects, conservators and researchers devoted to restoring and studying ancient buildings," he says. "Their dedication has preserved the construction techniques of these thousand-year-old Liao structures, providing invaluable physical references for architecture students and researchers around the world."

Chinese architectural illustrator Qin Zhizhen and his team have developed cultural products inspired by the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda and other historic Shanxi buildings, including refrigerator magnets, blind boxes and collectible figurines, bringing ancient architecture closer to the public through creative design.

"The exhibition allows visitors to understand the timber structures and construction techniques much more clearly," Qin says. "I began by illustrating ancient buildings, but paintings are difficult to carry, and architecture is inherently three-dimensional. That inspired me to create miniature replicas that could become refrigerator magnets or blind-box figurines.

"My goal is to develop collections based on different regions, beginning with Shanxi. Once those are complete, I'll continue with the remaining Liao Dynasty structures," he adds.

Qin Yuning, a 30-year-old doctor from Beijing, had previously visited the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda and Hanging Temple in Datong before touring the exhibition.

"This is my first visit to Shanxi, and I've been deeply impressed by how well the province has preserved its ancient architectural heritage," he says. "The exhibition has greatly expanded my understanding of Liao Dynasty wooden architecture. The models faithfully re-create the painted facades, exposed beam frameworks and dougong brackets, making the buildings' internal structural logic far easier to understand than through photographs or written descriptions alone."

Contact the writers at zhouhuiying@chinadaily.com.cn