Introduction
China, with its ancient civilization spanning several thousand years, has developed a profound and rich heritage. The Chinese government has undertaken numerous initiatives and policies to preserve its original culture, archaeology, and traditions. Among these measures is the establishment of the National Cultural Heritage Administration, responsible for protecting cultural relics and intangible cultural heritage. The government has also launched extensive archaeological projects to unearth and conserve historical sites, such as the Terracotta Army and the ancient city of Xi’an.
In addition, the Chinese government promotes traditional Chinese festivals like the Spring Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, and Mid-Autumn Festival, ensuring they remain integral parts of modern Chinese society. The government has also implemented policies to support traditional Chinese arts, including Peking Opera, calligraphy, and traditional Chinese medicine, by funding educational programs and cultural exchanges. Furthermore, the integration of cultural heritage preservation in urban planning and development projects reflects the government’s commitment to maintaining the historical and cultural fabric of Chinese cities. These comprehensive efforts underscore China’s dedication to preserving its rich cultural legacy for future generations.
The Central Axis of Beijing
In the heart of Beijing, along its north-south central axis, lies a series of monumental structures that narrate the tale of Chinese civilization. This axis encompasses significant landmarks from north to south, including the Bell and Drum Tower, Wanning Bridge, Jingshan Mountain, the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Zhengyang Gate, Yongding Gate, the Taimiao Temple, the Shiji Altar, the Temple of Heaven, and the Altar of Ancient Agriculture. These landmarks form a grand architectural complex stretching 7.8 kilometers through old Beijing, covering over 5 square kilometers. This ensemble is collectively known as the Beijing Central Axis Architectural Complex.
Historical Significance
In the early 1950s, renowned architect Mr. Liang Sicheng described this axis as “the most outstanding deployment of Beijing… a spatial concept of unmatched boldness and ease.” Beijing, a city with over 3,000 years of history and 870 years as a capital, saw its central axis buildings expand since Kublai Khan designated Jishuitan as the new central point in the 13th century. This axis has always dictated the city’s layout and form.
Celestial Order and Urban Planning
Human civilization has historically built order based on celestial observations. Ancient Chinese understanding of celestial movements, particularly the North Star and the Big Dipper, profoundly influenced their urban planning. The North Star, seen as the center of celestial movement, was considered the “heavenly emperor,” while the surrounding constellations formed the crape myrtle wall. This celestial order mirrored the earthly order, with the emperor, as the “son of heaven,” governing by divine mandate. Thus, ancient Chinese cities, including their capitals, often reflected this heavenly order in their layouts.
Architectural Evolution
Chinese capitals throughout history have been influenced by celestial and ritualistic considerations. For instance, the layout of Xianyang, the Qin Dynasty capital, corresponded to the Milky Way and the crape myrtle wall. Similarly, the design of Chang’an in the Western Han Dynasty imitated celestial formations. When Kublai Khan planned the new capital, Dadu, in 1267, he built a central complex based on these ancient principles, creating an urban form that symbolized the Yuan Dynasty’s legitimacy in Chinese civilization.
The Ming and Qing Dynasties
In 1420, Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty moved the capital to Beijing, rebuilding the Forbidden City and other parts of the central axis, mostly on the old central axis site of Yuan Dadu. This central axis adhered to the traditional layout, symbolizing continuity with ancient Chinese civilization. During the Qing Dynasty, the central axis was further refined. Emperor Qianlong added structures such as five pavilions along Jingshan Mountain and symmetrical pools south of the overpass on the outer city’s central axis.
Modern Transformations
With the end of the feudal dynasty system in 1912, Beijing’s central axis buildings entered a new era. These structures were transformed into museums, urban parks, and public spaces, forming the cultural core of the city. The renovations of Tiananmen Square in the 1950s and 1970s turned it into an open center for public celebrations and state ceremonies, continuing the tradition of adapting ancient principles to contemporary needs.
Conclusion
The central axis of Beijing, with its harmonious blend of architectural grandeur and cultural symbolism, stands as a testament to the city’s historical and cultural evolution. This axis not only determined the urban form of old Beijing but also embodied the spatial expression of traditional Chinese rituals and order. It remains a vibrant symbol of the enduring legacy of Chinese civilization, harmonizing the past and the present.
Source:- https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/-E5Lu-SXTkrong379uhVFA