Hierarchy Chinese architecture

a tomb mural of xinzhou, dated northern qi (550-577 ad) period, showing hall tiled roof, dougong brackets, , doors giant door knockers (perhaps made of bronze)

the projected hierarchy , importance , uses of buildings in traditional chinese architecture based on strict placement of buildings in property/complex. buildings doors facing front of property considered more important facing sides. buildings facing away front of property least important.

south-facing buildings in rear , more private location of property higher exposure sunlight held in higher esteem , reserved elder members of family or ancestral plaques. buildings facing east , west junior members of family, while buildings near front typically servants , hired help.

front-facing buildings in of properties used particularly rooms of celebratory rites , placement of ancestral halls , plaques. in multiple courtyard complexes, central courtyards , buildings considered more important peripheral ones, latter typically being used storage or servants’ rooms or kitchens.