Zhang Henshui Beijing

Author: Han Mo Lin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-03-01
Features: In the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, it was the capital of Yan State; during 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 character. These historical legacies have endowed Beijing with: the world's largest ancient palace complex—the Forbidden City, a crystallization of ancient Chinese architectural art, housing nearly a million cultural relics and artworks, making it a treasure trove of the world; one of the Eight Wonders of the World—the Great Wall, stretching hundreds of kilometers in the suburbs of Beijing, representing the finest section of the Great Wall; the world's largest altar for sacrificing to heaven—the Temple of Heaven, with exquisite architecture and grandeur, regarded as an immortal work in the history of architecture; the world's most densely concentrated imperial mausoleums—the Ming Thirteen Tombs, with thirteen mausoleums 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 alone is enough to captivate visitors. 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 enchanting. Beijing, a historic and cultural city, holds a special significance in Chinese history and in people's memories. This book compiles articles by Zhang Henshu, one of the most representative writers of this city, describing the ancient Beijing cityscape, accompanied by beautiful illustrations, to create a pictorial album introducing the scenic landscapes and historical culture of this ancient city. Half a century has passed, and the ancient city has undergone changes with the passage of time. We can savor the charm of the ancient city through the lens of time. 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 at their leisure.