Temple architecture has not changed substantially since the 7th Century or the Tang Dynasty. Traditional buildings are sited as to be in harmony with nature and to receive chi from auspicius directions. Chi is most vibrant in areas which face the sea with mountains to the rear. You really need a geomancer to figure this out, and there are all sorts of feng shui gadgest to help rectify any bad chi in the building. The distinctive roof of Chinese architecture is has a great deal of symbolism involved.
Symbolism is present in the colors eave decoration, roofing material, and roof top decorations.
A roof usually has a wavy tiling that runs horizontally, and vertical round ridges that run up and down. The vertical ridges are symbolic of bamboo which represents youth and longevity. Green roofs symbolize bamboo shafts which in turn represent youth and longevity. This eave and the roof decorations are from the Wong Tai Sin temple complex in Kowloon. From left to right the roof decorations are a dragon, bell underneath, then a man on a chicken, various guardian beasts, and a carp.