Old map

Author: Cai Yukun et al.
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2004-04-01
Features: Since the "Complete Map of China and Foreign Countries" was compiled by the Wuchang Asia News Geographical Society in 1903—China's first map published openly by the public—it subsequently led to the establishment of about forty map publishing companies. Over the long span of half a century, although the military surveying department of the Kuomintang government, as well as the shipping, postal, and railway departments, did produce some maps, they were not widely circulated and were mostly internally distributed. Publicly published maps in China were primarily concentrated among these map publishing units. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, the 14 remaining private map publishing houses and book distribution companies formed a joint venture in 1950, which later became the United Map Publishing House in 1953. In 1954, this company merged with the state-owned Xinhua Map Publishing House through a public-private partnership, forming the "Map Publishing House," which became the only map publishing house in China at that time.
Korean War Maps In June 1950, the United States incited the South Korean Lyndon Group to attack the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Subsequently, the U.S. Seventh Fleet was deployed to the Taiwan Strait. On September 15 of the same year, the U.S. gathered forces from 15 countries under the banner of the United Nations to land at Incheon, Korea, ignoring China's repeated warnings, and escalated the conflict to China's border, bombing cities like Dandong (Antung). In response to the Party and government's call to defend the homeland and fight in the Korean War, the Chinese People's Volunteer Army was formed and sent to Korea. Under the of the Chinese and Korean People's Armed Forces, the aggressors signed the armistice agreement on July 27, 1953, marking the victory of the Korean War. These maps provided the Chinese people with timely updates on the evolving war situation, showcased the achievements of the heroic Chinese and Korean forces in defeating the enemy, and reflected the inspiring domestic efforts of people in increasing production, saving, enthusiastically donating planes and cannons, and supporting the front lines.
The "Complete Map of West Lake in Hangzhou," drawn in the style of landscape painting, is a masterpiece of scenic maps rendered in traditional Chinese landscape painting and meticulous brushwork with colored ink. Unfolding the scroll, one is greeted with a lush green landscape, as if inhaling the fragrance of Longjing tea. The scenes of traveling through the various attractions of West Lake come to life, with the beauty of the scenery leaving a lasting impression. Such panoramic views of scenic spots, painted with traditional Chinese landscape techniques and fine brushwork, are often found in the finest ancient Chinese maps and are highly popular among the public. For example, the Qing Dynasty's "Complete Map of the Chengde Mountain Resort" and "Complete Map of the Yellow River" incorporate such rich content into limited spaces, demonstrating remarkable craftsmanship. At times, they were also used as New Year prints, brightening homes. The author often encounters Japanese scenic travel maps that employ this style, making them irresistible. Such breathtaking beauty makes one yearn to witness it firsthand. Today, however, such maps are scarce in China's travel publications. In fact, applying this technique to travel maps of famous mountains and rivers makes them more intuitive and endearing. The presentation of travel maps should be diverse. Here are two scenic maps drawn by Tao Yiqing: "Panoramic View of Famous Scenic Spots in Beijing and Its Vicinity" and "Panoramic View of the Summer Palace and Longevity Mountain in Beijing." In "Panoramic View of Famous Scenic Spots in Beijing and Its Vicinity," many of the attractions remain, and they are better preserved. However, Peking University and Beijing Normal University have long moved to new locations, allowing for better development. The former suburbs and even distant suburbs are no longer desolate; today, they are dotted with green spaces, large buildings, and crisscrossing streets, showcasing