To effectively protect Chinese ancient building, its single layer gable and hip roof type is taken as example, the seismic performances under high intensity earthquakes are studied by shaking table tests. According to rules of Building Codes in QING dynasty, referring constitutions of a single layer gable and hip roof type building in the Forbidden City, a model of Chinese ancient 10th level standard is built. The model includes free-standing column root, tenon-mortise connection between beams and columns, tou-kung (bracket sets), beam system, tile roof, filler walls and so on. Then the 1940 El-centro earthquake waves in horizontal directions are applied to the model, the intensity are gradually increased to very high level. Experimental phenomena of different constitutions of the model and analyzed, the damage symptoms are also investigated in detail. Results show that under high intensity earthquakes, the column structure, the tou-kung, the beam system and the roof vibrate as synchronous motion of slow sway. Main damage symptoms of the structure include column root deviates from its origin position, tenon pulled out of mortise, cracks appear on tenon-mortise joints, part of tou-kung components deviate from their origin positions, disconnection between the tie beam and its cushion board, collapse of filler walls and so on. However the damages are not serious, nor does the timber structure collapse. The seismic performances of Chinese ancient building under high intensity earthquakes relate closely to its constitution characteristics.