ABSTRACT
The history of ancient Asian architecture is rich, varied, and unique unlike that of architecture from other parts of the world. In addition to elaborate design, the creativity of early Asian architecture manifested itself in engineering. Science and innovation were major parts of the early Chinese culture. This chapter describes around 1122 B.C.E., the last Shang emperor was defeated by the Zhou army. The Han Dynasty was widely considered to be one of the greatest and most prosperous periods in early Chinese history. The longest built structure in the world, and the most impressive architectural achievement of the early Chinese period, is the Great Wall of China. The most popular part of the wall, today's main tourist attraction, is the fifth phase. The work of ancient Asian architects and engineers was both traditional and innovative.
