To protect Chinese ancient architecture, the aseismic behavior of ancient Chinese architecture having ion - hook strengthened mortise-and-tenon joints was studied experimentally. Based on the three frame structure of Tai - He Palace in the Forbidden City, three wooden frame models were made on a 1/8 scale. The models were built using Yan - wei (swallow tail) type of mortise - and - tenon connections. Low - cycle reversed loading tests were used to get moment - rotation hysteretic curves and skeleton curves for the joints. The energy dissipation capabilily, stiffness degradation and deformation performance were also studied. The results showed that after the joint was strengthened with an iron - hook, although the energy dissipation capability of the joint decreased slightly, the chance that the embedded tenon pulled out of mortise also decreased, the stiffness and strength of the joint was enhanced, stiffness degradation of the joint was not obvious, and the joint had good ductility. Thus, iron - hook is good for strengthening mortise - and - tenon joints in Chinese ancient architecture.