4. Hierarchical distinctions in architecture

China's hierarchical social system gave rise to a highly restrictive system of architectural regulations. All construction was controlled by a building code that clearly differentiated rank and status. This code controlled every aspect of design and construction, and was enforced as law.

A comprehensive building code was established as early as the 7th century. This code specified permissible construction for each level of society, from the imperial family to the nobility, officials, and the common people. Its regulations encompassed every aspect of building design and construction, including scale, floor plan, roof shape, and decoration. Transgressions of the code were considered a crime, and were even punishable by death in some cases. Architecture became one of the most recognizable symbols of feudal China's rank-based society.

Stone lions are a familiar sight in China. Today, they often stand at the entrances to restaurants and hotels, welcoming customers with a symbol of traditional Chinese culture. In the past, however, only officials of the fifth rank and above were allowed to place the magnificent stone lions outside the gates of their homes. (Officials in ancient China were classified according to rank. The fifth rank was regional administrators, somewhere between today's county head and provincial governor.)

The number of rows in a lion's mane further indicated the rank of the home's resident. The emperor's lions had thirteen rows, those of dukes and princes had twelve rows, and those of officials were determined according to rank.

The lion at the Forbidden City