Today I want to talk about the beauty of traditional Chinese architecture and design.
A very important feature in Chinese architecture is its emphasis on balance through the use of articulation and bilateral symmetry.

Articulation:對細節的追求
Bilateral symmetry: 建筑，空間上的對稱性

In contrast to the buildings, the Chinese gardens tend to be asymmetrical. This is to create flow. The design of the classic Chinese garden is based on the ideology of "Nature and Man in One", so, the arrangement is as flexible as possible to let people feel they are surrounded by and in harmony with nature.

Asymmetrical: 不對稱的
Create flow: 產生蜿蜒感
The ideology of "Nature and Man in One"：“天人合一”的理念
Be in harmony with nature：人與自然的和諧共處

Isn't this a wonderful concept, inside the home you are in your place co-existing with nature but separate from nature itself but once you step outside, you can feel the harmony with nature!

Be separate from nature: 和自然是有所分離的

Ancient Chinese architecture is mainly the use of wood, which we can say is timberwork.

Timberwork：木結構

They use wooden posts, beams, lintels and joists to make up the framework of a house.

Post 樁(垂直)
Beam 橫梁(水平)
Lintel/lintel beam 橫楣梁
Joist 托梁；擱柵
Framework: 框架

The special design of the framework means that they are very sturdy and can withstand earthquakes! This is an important fact that all Chinese should remember, 2500 year old designs can withstand earthquakes!

Sturdy: 結實，堅固的
Withstand earthquakes: 承受地震

And this means that the purpose of other walls are basically for the separation of rooms so they don't bear the weight of the whole house, which is unique to China.

Separate rooms: 將空間分割成屋子
Bear the weight of sth.: 承重，承受某物的重量

I believe there is a famous saying which goes, even if the walls collapse, Chinese houses will stay standing.

Collapse: 崩塌
Stay standing: 屹立不倒

Another important feature is the way the houses are protected. The wood needs to be treated, and the Chinese were very clever in painting the wood to not only protect it but turn it into its own architectural painting decoration.

Treat: 養護，維護
Turn it into architectural painting decoration 把木質結構變成一種建筑繪畫裝飾品

Colored glaze roofs, windows with exquisite designs and beautiful flower patterns on wooden pillars reflect the high level of the craftsmen's handicraft and their rich imagination.

Colored glaze roofs: 涂成各種色彩的琉璃屋頂
Windows with exquisite designs and beautiful flower patterns on wooden pillars: 設計繁復精美的窗子和木立柱上美麗的花朵圖案
The craftsmen's handicraft and their rich imagination: 手工匠人們的技藝和豐富的想象力

Classical Chinese buildings, especially those of the wealthy, are built with an emphasis on breadth and less on height, featuring an enclosed heavy platform and a large roof that floats over this base. Notice how the vertical walls are not so emphasized. Buildings that were too high and large were considered unsightly, and therefore generally avoided.

With an emphasis on sth.: 將重點放在……
Enclosed: 封閉的，隔離的
Unsightly: 難看的，不美的

Chinese architecture stresses the visual impact of the width of the buildings, using scale to inspire wonder in visitors.

Stress: 突出，強調，highlight
Visual impact: 視覺沖擊力
Inspire wonder: 引發驚嘆、贊美，令人稱奇叫絕

This unique style contrasts western architecture, which tends to grow in height and depth.

Contrast: 與…形成對照
Grow: 這里當然不是成長，而是指建造得高，背后的建筑目標是指向高度的上升和深度的延展。

Outside the houses are courtyards, a courtyard is like a hand scroll of painting, you know which should be unfolded little by little. The scenery is different in each courtyard. Even in moving several steps within the courtyard, you will be surprised at the subtle changes around. This means that the view from no two windows is the same.

A hand scroll of painting: 畫卷
Unfold: 展開
Subtle: 精細，微妙的

Finally, let's not forget about the colour.

Since yellow is the symbol of the royal family, it is the main color of palaces. Roofs are built with yellow glazed tiles; decorations in the palace are painted yellow; even the bricks on the ground are made yellow.

Yellow glazed tiles: 金黃色琉璃瓦
Brick: 磚