Horse gallops through Yanmen Pass

Author: Zhang Weiping
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-01
Features: This series primarily focuses on the inner world of travelers' observations and reflections, rather than the external landscapes and skylines. In these books, readers can see the author's conventional philosophical thoughts, a generally sound academic background, as well as the craftsmanship and keen insight displayed in the writing. History and landscapes, landscapes and the indigenous people who built them, undergo a relatively complete historical and cultural evolution in each book. Readers can immerse themselves in this cultural emotion, either flowing with it or jumping through it, giving rise to alternative, contemplative, and enduring experiences. This alternative, contemplative, and enduring experience is both intellectual and emotional; it is both exhilarating and indescribable. It is a cultural emotion that can no longer be newly created, replicated, or reconstructed. It is a sentiment that touches upon deeper emotions or psychological aspects, such as an understanding of ancient architecture, a novel appreciation for another regional culture, and an authentic experience of the residential complexes of Shanxi during the Ming and Qing dynasties—Confucian Merchant Family—Chang Family Manor, Trustworthiness in the Middle Hall—Qiao Family Manor, Red Six Great Houses—Wang Family Manor, and Rural Imperial City. It is also a sense of amazement at the order, regulations, beauty, tranquility, and preservation of world cultural heritage sites and historical cities in China—Northern Wei Yungang, Detailed Pingyao, and Riding to Yanmen Pass. There is a deep immersion in Mount Wutai Pilgrimage to the Summit, Jinci Dream Seeking, and Hengshan Divine Craft, without even realizing it. There is also a silent, snow-like emotion evoked by the root culture, Hongtong Ancestral Roots, which can truly be considered world intangible cultural heritage. Experiencing these above-ground cultural relics on the Shanxi plateau nourishes the soul of an ancient civilization that we have gradually forgotten, and preserves the image of the continuity of history and culture. The "People Speak of Shanxi" series is an extremely authentic and reliable read. Its profound meaning lies in all aspects of culture, especially in the ability to interpret beauty, ancient architectural art, and traditional culture. Each book tells readers where the value of these beautiful and instructive landscapes originates. In reality, each book also allows for a mental journey. Yanmen Pass is a grand military defense project that embodies the wisdom of ancient Chinese architecture. Around Yanmen Pass, the ancients constructed a defensive position with "two passes, four gates, and eighteen passes" in front, a winding and sturdy Great Wall in the middle, and a deep defensive network of "39 forts and 12 linked cities" behind. The purpose of building Yanmen Pass was to defend against war, so its greatest characteristic is its strength and practicality. Yanmen Pass is layered in defense, making it the most robust defensive line in northern ancient China. Historical records show that over 200 significant events affecting China's progress occurred around Yanmen Pass. On the ancient land of Daixian, we can find the site of the downfall of the ancient state of Dai, the origin of the policy of marriage alliances, the rise of the Tang Dynasty, and the battlefield of the loyal and heroic Yang Family. We can also find the ancient tea-horse road leading to the world, a symbol of cultural integration, and architectural marvels.