Baxi Ancient Town · Gongtan

Author: Shi Fu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-09-01
Features: As authors of culture, we remain committed to protecting ancient towns and are willing to contribute our efforts. Publishing this series of illustrated books on Chongqing's ancient towns is our way of showing our modest contribution. This series consists of 8 books, each featuring 100 to 150 photographic images, accompanied by 50,000 to 60,000 descriptive words, introducing a historical and cultural ancient town in Chongqing. We aim to achieve a balance where the realism and presence of the images bring the depth and transcendence of the text into a specific temporal and spatial framework. Meanwhile, the text stimulates divergent thinking, allowing the visual and intuitive nature of the images to be interpreted from multiple dimensions. If this aspiration is largely fulfilled, then this series will not only help people understand, appreciate, and protect ancient towns but also contribute to enhancing cultural awareness, promoting tourism development, and advancing urban construction. Even when a certain ancient town inevitably disappears, this series can serve as a record. Disappeared ancient towns cannot be reborn, cloned, or replaced, making the remaining ones even more precious. Most of Chongqing's historical and cultural ancient towns were built near mountains and rivers, reflecting the unique architectural style of the Bashu region while absorbing cultural influences from areas such as Huguang, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang. They embody the humanistic pursuit of harmonious coexistence between people and nature. From the grand selection of sites based on Feng Shui principles to the intricate details of mountain walls, ridges, eaves columns, and door lattices, all residential buildings, ancestral halls, guild halls, temples, theaters, enclosed courtyards, covered bridges, half-side streets, and wind-and-rain bridges are simple yet functional. The structural and decorative elements of dou-fang houses, suspended wooden houses, and corridor-style wind-and-rain pavilions particularly showcase ingenuity amidst spontaneity. The architectural art seamlessly blends with the natural environment, creating a lively and charming atmosphere. For centuries, the descendants of indigenous ethnic groups and migrants from other regions have lived and thrived in these areas, weaving countless beautiful stories. Under the relentless noise of modernization, they face the risk of disappearing at any moment. However, as long as they continue to exist, the cultural heritage they carry—such as architecture, history, art, and folklore—remains visible. They are far more than just a means for urban dwellers to seek simplicity and relaxation.