Zhang Henshui. Beijing

Author: Han Mo Lin
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-04-01
Features: During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, it was the capital of Yan State; in the Liao and Jin dynasties, it was known as Nanjing and Zhongdu; in the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, it was established as the capital; after the founding of the People's Republic, it became the political and cultural center of the nation. Since ancient times, Beijing has held significant political importance, standing uniquely in the northern region with its distinctive posture. These historical legacies have endowed Beijing with: the world's largest ancient palace complex—the Forbidden City, a crystallization of ancient Chinese architectural art, which houses nearly a million cultural relics and artworks, making it a treasure trove of the world; one of the world's eight wonders—the Great Wall, stretching hundreds of kilometers in the suburbs of Beijing, representing the most exquisite section of the Great Wall; the world's largest altar for sacrificing to heaven—the Temple of Heaven, with its exquisite architecture and grandeur, ranking as an immortal work in the history of architecture; the world's most densely concentrated imperial mausoleums—the Ming Thirteen Tombs, with thirteen tombs adjacent to each other, exuding a powerful aura, and the mysterious underground palaces and burial artifacts invite exploration; one of the world's largest imperial gardens—the Summer Palace, often referred to as a museum of Chinese gardens. The cultural landscape is already captivating enough. Moreover, the majestic Yan Mountains dominate the region, with rare pools scattered among them, offering a rugged and magnificent northern landscape that contrasts sharply with the delicate and gentle scenery of the Jiangnan region, yet remains equally charming. Beijing, a historic and cultural city, holds a special significance in Chinese history and in people's memories. This book compiles articles by Zhang Henshui, one of the most representative writers of this city, describing the ancient urban landscapes of Beijing, accompanied by beautiful illustrations, forming a pictorial album that introduces the scenic beauty and historical culture of this ancient city. Half a century has passed, and the ancient city has undergone changes with the flow of time. We can savor the charm of the ancient city through the passage of years. However, in just over a hundred pages, how can we encompass thousands of years of history? We can only present a glimpse of the ancient city; the rest awaits the readers to experience firsthand and explore in detail.