Research Of Qilou Of Taicheng Town

Based on the field research, the paper analyses the history and styles of the Qilou (an architectural style of street shop-house with an arcade in front of it) at Taicheng town in Guangdong Province. The author makes some conclusion about Qilou's origin, characteristic and protection. By studying historical reference, researching the living example, and comparing with related architectural styles in other countries, the paper inquired the Qilou's origin. The Qilou of Taicheng town is a different architectural style that had been introduced from advance city nearby or abroad in the 1920s-1930s. Then the paper described and summarized the architectural features of the Qilou. Such as street environmental space, facade, interior space organization, etc. Because of the many styles of the Qilou's facade form, it became one of important aspects of the study. The author used classification, inquired the relation in the types and analyzed the influence factors. In general, the style is influenced of the merging of Classicism, Renaissance and Baroque. Some facades designed by architects have strict scale and succinct ornaments. In other hand, those facades built by artisan have some local traditional ornaments in eclectic style. The paper put forward some points about how to protect and remain the regional characteristics of the Qilou. And it aimed at vitalizing the historical area, maintaining its economical, and helping its economic and cultural potential to be exerted to the full.