An ancient architectural model [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Ancient architectural model making techniques originate from the development of traditional ancient building construction technology. 

An architectural model from the Song Dynasty (960-1279) housed in the Jinci Museum -- in Taiyuan city, capital of North China's Shanxi province -- is the earliest existing model of ancient architecture in China, which proves ancient architectural model-making techniques have been passed down for more than 900 years. 

In the early stages, making an architectural model was the first step that people in ancient times took before constructing a building. 

The Tang (618-907) and Song dynasties were the heyday of the development of ancient architectural model-making techniques. The techniques evolved into a construction method that objectively reflects the characteristics, structure types and craftsmanship of ancient buildings. People can use the models to carry out repairs, renovations and reinforcement of ancient structures. 

A discussion takes place about ancient model-making techniques.[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The usual route for making the models is drawing sketches, selecting materials, baking, cutting materials, making abutments, making columns, forming column nets, forming beams, roof construction, decoration and painting. 

The whole process is purely manual and only uses wood, invoking the ancient craftsmanship of ancient Chinese architecture such as the use of mortise-tenon joints. 

Ancient architectural model-making techniques provide a reference and basis for the repair and protection of many surviving ancient buildings, as well as has having important teaching and scientific research value. However, as model making has not become a commercial market, these techniques are in danger of dying out.