Temple Building－Roof

There are two kinds of temple building in Taiwan. One belongs to northern system, and the other one belongs to southern system.

The temple buildings in Taiwan had been following the southern system for a long time since Zhen Dynasty came to Taiwan. The northern system was coming with Chang Kai Se in 1945. Therefore, we can say, goes to northern system, there is no historic building in Taiwan. Historic building must belong to southern system.  

The most two different features between them are all on the roof. When you see the oriental architectures, roof construction is always its most important point.

The first different point is, the main ridge of the roof of northern temple building is flat and straight with two symbolized animals respectively biting at its two ends, while the southern one is curved with two split ends, we call swallow- tailed.  

The second different point is, there are a lot of decorations attached to the roof along the ridges of southern system building, making the roof look gorgeous and exciting, while northern ones has not, looks solemn and dignified.

Northern System: http://www.google.com.tw/imgres?imgurl=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3211/2994246892_cb2cd65400_b.jpg&imgrefurl=http://wayne0604.pixnet.net/blog/post/22435406-%25E8%2588%2587%25E5%25B0%258F%25E8%258C%259C%25E7%259A%2584%25E5%258F%25B0%25E4%25B8%25AD%25E7%2588%25B5%25E5%25A3%25AB%25E9%259F%25B3%25E6%25A8%2582%25E7%25AF%2580%25E5%2585%25A9%25E6%2597%25A5%25E9%2581%258A&h=718&w=1024&sz=530&tbnid=jtOQ2cc0hxNfLM:&tbnh=90&tbnw=128&zoom=1&usg=__ngwSZeV-g7XWJ4mQNnFsLhq2yjM=&docid=0gJxnjOG3PNN6M&sa=X&ei=P350UZmgL4atiQfM1ICwDw&ved=0CEYQ9QEwAg&dur=2236

Southern System:

http://www.ct.taipei.gov.tw/