Buddhist Buildings: The Architecture of Monasteries, Pagodas, and Stone Caves

Buddhist Buildings explores ancient Chinese Buddhist architecture, most notably the monastery and the pagoda, while also considering the spread of Buddhism throughout China. With the help of gorgeous photographs, illustrations, and plans, Wei Ran crafts a journey that explores the most notable Buddhist architecture of ancient China. Detailing the structural evolution of the monastery, the transformation and evolution of the pagoda, the building of stone cave monasteries, and the development of lamaseries (Tibetan Buddhist monasteries), Buddhist Buildings gives the reader a complete presentation of the architecture of Buddhism in China. The dignified beauty of Buddhist architecture represents a fascinating and significant portion of ancient China architecture, and this volume illuminates Buddhist architecture's importance in ancient China and in Chinese culture today.