As China’s indigenous religion, Taoism’s core tenets of the Unity of Heaven and Humanity and Tao Emulates Nature, alongside its immortal worship system, have profoundly shaped the design and decorative art of traditional vernacular dwellings. Traditional residences stand as tangible carriers of Chinese traditional culture; their spatial layouts, structural configurations and ornamental motifs all embody people’s spiritual pursuits and cultural beliefs. Rooted deeply in Chinese civilization, Taoism evolved into a complete religious and symbolic system following its formal establishment in the Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD). Imbued with auspicious connotations and cultural symbolism, Taoist decorative patterns are widely applied to wood, stone and brick carvings, window latticework, roof ridge ornaments, screen walls and other architectural components of folk houses, serving as a vital bridge connecting mundane life and religious faith.
Existing academic studies on Taoist architecture predominantly focus on Taoist temples and monasteries, while systematic research into Taoist decorative patterns embedded in civilian residences remains insufficient. From an academic perspective, this paper analyzes the application characteristics of Taoist motifs in traditional dwellings and traces the historical evolution of Taoism. It aims to broaden the research scope of traditional architectural decorative culture and provide theoretical support for the inheritance and innovative revitalization of traditional architectural heritage.
