China built the Forbidden City to withstand earthquakes - without using a single nail
Even today, it sounds like a near impossible task: build an earthquake-resistant wooden building, strong enough to endure several tumultuous centuries, without using nails or glue. Chinese carpenters rose to the challenge more than 600 years ago. One of the most instantly recognisable aspects of Chinese architecture is temple roof design. The visually compelling and highly complex structures that support roofs use wooden joints set into columns and pillars. More than a beautiful signature, the deceptively simple technique is durable and quick to assemble.
