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The use of vibrant green color in ancient Chinese architecture

CGTN

Green glazed roofs are found on certain structures within the Temple of Heaven complex in Beijing. /CFP
Green glazed roofs are found on certain structures within the Temple of Heaven complex in Beijing. /CFP

Green glazed roofs are found on certain structures within the Temple of Heaven complex in Beijing. /CFP

A bird sits on the green glazed roof of a building within the Temple of Heaven complex in Beijing. /CFP
A bird sits on the green glazed roof of a building within the Temple of Heaven complex in Beijing. /CFP

A bird sits on the green glazed roof of a building within the Temple of Heaven complex in Beijing. /CFP

Green glazed roofs are found on certain structures within the Temple of Heaven complex in Beijing. /CFP
Green glazed roofs are found on certain structures within the Temple of Heaven complex in Beijing. /CFP

Green glazed roofs are found on certain structures within the Temple of Heaven complex in Beijing. /CFP

Ancient Chinese craftsmen displayed remarkable boldness in their use of color to decorate the architectural structures of the time. Classical architecture in particular featured a diverse array of vibrant hues.

While red symbolized auspiciousness and joy, yellow represented imperial power and authority... And green, representing vitality and hope, also played an important role in ancient Chinese architecture.

A wall adorned with green and yellow glazed tiles is seen at the Palace Museum in Beijing. /CFP
A wall adorned with green and yellow glazed tiles is seen at the Palace Museum in Beijing. /CFP

A wall adorned with green and yellow glazed tiles is seen at the Palace Museum in Beijing. /CFP

Green glazed tiles still adorn many famous ancient Chinese buildings. Some notable examples include the glazed tile walls of the Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City, and the green glazed roofs of certain structures within the Temple of Heaven complex in Beijing.

Green paint adorns the woodwork in a corridor at the Summer Palace in Beijing. /CFP
Green paint adorns the woodwork in a corridor at the Summer Palace in Beijing. /CFP

Green paint adorns the woodwork in a corridor at the Summer Palace in Beijing. /CFP

Green paint adorns the woodwork in a corridor at the Summer Palace in Beijing. /CFP
Green paint adorns the woodwork in a corridor at the Summer Palace in Beijing. /CFP

Green paint adorns the woodwork in a corridor at the Summer Palace in Beijing. /CFP

Moreover, green was often incorporated into the beams and columns of the corridors, helping create a luxurious and magnificent effect.

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