Manasara Series (I. A Dictionary of Hindu Architecture; II. Indian Architecture according to Manasara-Shilpashastra; III. Manasara on Architecture and Sculpture: Sanskrit Text; IV. Architecture of Manasara: Translation; V. Architecture of Manasara: Illustrations; VI. Hindu Architecture in India and Abroad; VII. An Encyclopaedia of Hindu Architecture) v6.c41.s23.5

v6.c41.s23.5

The usual type of Chinese architecture is known as the Ting. It 'consists of a roof of concave section carried on short columns. If the roof is of great dimensions and elaborately decorated, it covers either a temple, an imperial hall of audience, or the official residence of a mandarin, if of small size and light construction, it is that of a house. In order to give more importance to the imperial structures, whether temples or reception halls, they are raised on platforms with triple terraces and balustrades round, and three flights of steps on the south front. The flight in the middle is subdivided into three, the central portion forming an inclined slope which is covered with dragons and clouds in relief, in some cases the treads of the steps on each side are also carved with dragons in relief, the terraces, balustrades and steps being all in white marble.'