The mythic elements in chinese architecture

Concepts from feng shui geomancy and mythic elements of daoism are usually present in the construction and layout of Chinese architecture, from common residences to imperial and religious structures.

This includes the use of:

Screen walls

to face the main entrance of the house, which stems from the belief that evil things travel on straight lines.

Talismans and fortuitous imagery

Door gods displayed on doorways to ward evil and encourage the flow of good fortune

Three anthropomorphic figures representing Fu Lu Shou (福禄寿) stars are prominently displayed, sometimes with the proclamation "the threes star are present"(三星在);

Fruits and animals that symbolize good fortune and prosperity, such as bats and pomegranates, respecitively. The association is often done through rebuses.

Orienting the structure with its back to elevated landscape and ensuring that there is water in the front. Considerations are also made such that the generally windowless back of the structure faces the north, where the wind is coldest in the winter.