What is unique about Taoist architecture and temple layout?

Taoist temple layout follows Heaven-human unity and Yin-Yang/Five Elements principles: sites are chosen in mountains and forests, backing mountains and facing water, accumulating wind and gathering qi. Central axis symmetry: Mountain Gate → Lingguan Hall → Main Hall (Sanqing Hall/Jade Emperor Hall) → Rear Halls. Main buildings include Sanqing Hall (enshrining Three Pure Ones), Jade Emperor Hall, Lingguan Hall (enshrining Wang Lingguan), scripture library, dining hall, and alchemy chamber. Colors emphasize red, yellow, and blue-green with glazed roof tiles. The Eight Trigrams, Taiji diagram, and cloud-and-crane patterns are the most common decorative motifs.