chuandou

Chinese architecture

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Last updated

July 23, 2026

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The term "chuandou" refers to a distinct engineering system in traditional Chinese architecture, primarily found in the southwestern regions of China. This system supports the roof using tall, slender columns that extend from the roof purlins to the ground. Unlike the more standardized tailiang system, chuandou allows for greater geometric design possibilities on the gable wall. It is believed that this architectural style may have been common throughout China before the Han dynasty, retreating to the southwest as tall timber became scarce in the north and the tailiang system gained prominence.1

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Chinese architecture
The elements of traditional Chinese architecture
Known as chuandou, this system allows for endless possibilities in the geometrical design upon the gable wall, unlike the more standardized tailiang system. In place of column-top bracketing, slanting wooden struts extend support for the eaves purlin diagonally downward to the columns. It is possible that chuandou…
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Known as chuandou, this system allows for endless possibilities in the geometrical design upon the gable wall, unlike the more standardized tailiang system. In place of column-top bracketing, slanting wooden struts extend support for the eaves purlin diagonally downward to the columns. It is possible that chuandou…
Read More