A Chronological Study On Pre-ming Dynasty Religious Architecture In Central&South Region Of Hebei Province

This paper is focused on pre-ming Dynasty religious architecture south of Beijingin Heibei Province. Based on large-scale archaeological architecture surveys andcareful examination of related historical records,15timber andimitational-timber structures with inscriptions of specific construction dates orrelated time periods and clear original architectural forms were found andsampled for a chronological study by the author.Using theories of archaeological study, an elementary chronological work ofthe architectural remains of Tang (618-907AD), Song (960-1127AD), Jin(1115-1234AD), Yuan(1271-1368AD) and Ming(1368-1644AD) dynasties inthe area was carried out and is based on the analysis of the configuration of thetemporal existence of combined architectural forms abstracted from thosearchitectural samples.The outline of the evolution of local traditional architecture is summarized,and the conclusions of the chronological research is also used for cross-regionalcultural studies between central&south Hebei Province and some of itsneighbouring regions, Shexian County, southeast of Shanxi Province and Beijing.A comparative study between the local architectural forms and the mainstreamstyles enforced by Ying Zao Fa Shi, a publication of architectural regulations fromthe early12thcentury, is also included.Furthermore, six chronilogical episodes were identified to exist beyond thelocal architectural evolvement stream. Unfortunately, the third of these, thatrepresents some sort of reform towards the Ying Zao Fa Shi mainstream, hasalmost no relics left. However, the research shows that before Ying Zao Fa Shi, an obvious similarity exists between the architectural style in this area and one insoutheast Shanxi Province. In addition, a crucial influence of the architecturalstyle in the fourth episode in this area is also found to have been carried throughinto the Ming (1368-1644AD) and Qing (1644-1911AD) dynasties’ officialarchitectural style that appeared later on in the Beijing region.