Page 107 - JCAU-6-2

Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Development protection of ethnic villages

characteristics, and choice of construction materials. For decorative patterns adorn eaves, doors, and windows, while
example, mindful of preserving arable land for farming, white stones are often placed at the four corners of the roof
Tibetan communities have traditionally constructed their (Zeng, 2011) (Figure 5). Painted murals also hold special
houses on mountain slopes using locally sourced materials. significance, featuring religious symbols such as the religious
This strategic positioning not only shields against winter Vadra and Victory Umbrella, Swastikas associated with fire
winds but also maximizes exposure to sunlight, ensuring and sun worship, and patterns on door and window frames
adequate warmth for inhabitants (Figure 4). related to totems. These murals not only reflect the aesthetic

The majority of residences in this area are built as preferences and values of the local populace but also represent
Diaolou, featuring stone and wood structures that represent their pursuit and vision (Ling, 2020).
a dignified and stable appearance with a rugged aesthetic. Located at the gateway of the Tibetan-Qiang Ecological
These residential buildings typically feature flat roofs in the Civilization Corridor, Lixian in Sichuan province serves
Tibetan style, adorned with decorative eaves and corners, as a pivotal border area bridging the rich cultural heritage
characterized by simple shapes (Yu, 2019). Moreover, rooted in of the south-west ethnic minorities and the Central
the longstanding traditions of living and production practices, Plains culture. The county town of Zagunao boasts a
local beliefs in the natural order of heaven and earth, and profound historical precipitation, with evidence of human
reverence for the Earth God have imbued traditional dwellings inhabitation dating back to the Neolithic age. Remarkably,
in this area with distinct religious significance. Architectural numerous relics have endured through the ages, including
decorations often include intricate religious motifs painted and the historical Chama Road (Figure 6), the Tang dynasty
carved onto walls, doors, windows, and roofs (Fu et al., 2022; (618 – 907) ruins of Weizhou town (Figure 7), and the
Zhang & Luo, 2020). The decoration style of Jiarong Tibetan Diaolou of Zagunao (Figure 8). These treasures represent
residential houses not only inherits the essence of Jiarong invaluable cultural and historical assets of the town
culture but also fosters the integration and development of (Sichuan Nationalities Press, 1997).
craftsmanship. Vernacular houses incorporate various factors
in their color selection, resulting in the rich and vibrant color Guantian Village occupies a terrace approximately
system characteristic of Tibet architecture after centuries of 5 km from the outskirts of Zagunao Town (Figure 9),
development (Fu et al., 2022). Preference is given to colors characterized by a village structure of a typical monastery
that offer strong and honest contrasts. Common colors used setting (Figure 10). Established around the Tibetan
in architectural decoration include white, signifying warmth, Buddhist Gelug temple in 1653, the village’s layout was
kindness, and good manners (Zhang & Luo, 2020); yellow, designed in close proximity to the temple. Notably, the
representing Buddha, respect, and nobility, introduced with northern side of the temple features a structure inspired
the advent of Buddhism (China Architecture & Building by the Nepalese Xiarengeqing Gold Tower, known as the
Press, 2016); red, symbolizing solemnity, power, and honor, Jixiangyongcun Tower (Figure 11) (Song, 2011). Despite
with connotations of protecting the law; and black, evoking the pagoda’s damaged state, the entire religious complex
majesty and serving to ward off evil. Dark blue and pure white and its remnants retain significant cultural tourism value.

Figure 4. Common site selection of the Jiarong Tibetan villages. Source: Drawings by the authors

Volume 6 Issue 2 (2024) 4 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.2043