Japanese experts reflect on Tang architecture legacy

As one of the world's three major architectural traditions, ancient Chinese architecture, particularly dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907), is widely regarded as the pinnacle of wooden architectural art and engineering. Its influence has been profound across Asia, especially in Japan.

On July 5, the Japanese edition of CGTN's latest multimedia, immersive, and interactive virtual exhibition, "Tang Architecture: Building Timeless Glory," will be showcased at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan.

To mark the launch of the Japanese edition, CGTN invited two distinguished experts from the fields of Japanese architecture and cultural heritage research for an in-depth discussion in Tokyo. The conversation delved into the aesthetics of Tang architecture and its far-reaching intercultural impact.

To view the full program, visit Tang elegance in Japan: Japanese experts reflect on Tang architecture legacy.

Featured guests

Professor George Kunihiro

Fellow of the Japan Institute of Architects, former president of the Architects Regional Council of Asia, and an active contributor to the international architectural community.

Professor Nobuo Aoki

Director of the International Research Center for Chinese Cultural Heritage at Tianjin University, director of the University Think Tank at Tianjin University and a recipient of the Chinese Government Friendship Award. His research focuses on the preservation and transmission of architectural heritage.

The aesthetics of Tang architecture

Professor Kunihiro emphasized that Tang architecture is distinguished by its exposed timber frames, vivid colors and precise proportionality between beams and columns. These elements combine to form a comprehensive and striking visual system. He noted that such aesthetic features remain clearly visible in historic Japanese structures, such as Horyuji Temple, which showcases the deep imprint of Tang Dynasty influence on Japanese architecture.

Professor Aoki added that the Tang Dynasty was a period of great economic and cultural flourishing, reflected in architecture through the grand scale and elegance of its buildings, from imperial palaces and ceremonial halls to Buddhist temples, which find expression in a variety of styles.

The influence of Tang architecture in Japan

Speaking on the cultural impact of Tang architecture, Professor Aoki noted that the Japanese missions sent to China during the Tang Dynasty had purposes far beyond diplomacy. Their true goal was to study the most advanced aspects of Tang society, including culture, politics, economics and architecture. This marked the beginning of a significant architectural exchange between China and Japan.

"The envoys studied cutting-edge Chinese culture and construction techniques, visiting cities like Chang'an and Luoyang to deepen their knowledge, and then bringing it back to Japan," he said.

To further master Tang architectural practices, the missions even brought Chinese craftsmen to Japan to provide hands-on guidance – an effort that directly spurred the development of temples and other buildings in Japan.

Professor Kunihiro added that, "From the Tang period onward, such techniques continued to spread and evolve in Japan, especially during the Kamakura and Muromachi periods. The Tang architectural practices were successfully integrated into Japanese construction."

He also noted that Japan's humid climate required localized adaptation of Tang techniques, "For example, placing wooden structures on raised stone platforms is one way builders adjusted to regional climate and environmental conditions."

With its advanced structural systems and refined aesthetics, Tang architecture laid the foundation for many of Japan's classical temples and inspired the emergence of a distinctly Japanese architectural style.

The digital exhibition "Tang Architecture: Building Timeless Glory" features three sections: Building Design, Palace Complex and Urban Planning. Through an interactive virtual tour of the famed Great East Hall at Foguang Temple, the Daming Palace and the urban planning of Chang'an City, the exhibition aims to offer users an in-depth exploration of the dynasty's architecture.