Cai, Zhong‐QiLuo, Ying‐ShengLai, Yu‐ChiChan, Chih‐ShiangTai, Wen‐KaiBenes, Bedrich and Hauser, Helwig2020-05-222020-05-2220201467-8659https://doi.org/10.1111/cgf.13661https://diglib.eg.org:443/handle/10.1111/cgf13661Pailous are representative Chinese architectural works used for commemoration. However, their geometric structure and semantic construction rules are too complex for quick and intuitive modelling using traditional modelling tools. We propose an intuitive modelling system for the stylized creation of pailous for novices. Our system encapsulates structural components as icons and semantic layouts as topological graphs, using which users create and manipulate icons with topological recommendations. The interpreter automatically and immediately transforms a graph to its corresponding model using built‐in components with the proposed parametric L‐system grammars derived from architectural rules. Using this system to re‐create existing representative pailous and design imaginary ones yields results with the desired visual complexities. In comparison to Maya, a 3D modelling tool, when modelling a pailou and toukung, our system is effective and simple, and eliminates the need to remember and understand complex rules.architectural modellingicon‐based procedural modellinginteractive modelling• Computing methodologies → Graphics systems and interfaces; Shape modelling10.1111/cgf.1366150-62