Ancient Chinese Urban Planning
Chinese urban planning emerged from a rich tapestry of cultural beliefs, societal structures, and technological advancements. Key factors shaping its development included:
- Fengshui and astronomy: The alignment of buildings and cities with celestial objects and spiritual energy.
- Well-field system: A geometric land distribution model based on the cosmological belief of a square earth.
- Holy place (bo): A sacred location venerated as the origin of civilization.
- Cosmological model of Heaven as round and Earth as square: Influenced the layout and orientation of cities.
- Qi: The concept of vital energy that permeated the world and guided urban design.
- Political power sharing: Between the ruling house and educated advisers.
- Walled capital cities: A physical representation of political power.
Early Development
Urbanization began in the Yellow River valley during the Neolithic Age. Early cities, such as Banpo, were characterized by round pit-houses, specialized architecture, and a seasonal cycle synchronized with the movement of the Big Dipper.
Longshan Culture
From the east, the Longshan Culture brought hierarchical and militaristic characteristics to urbanism. Their fortified square cities were a manifestation of centralized power.
Bronze Age
During the Bronze Age, cities became more complex with the rise of palaces and the development of writing. Palaces were designed according to principles of qi flow and the cosmological model.
Iron Age
With the advent of the Iron Age, political fragmentation led to a period of intense urbanization. Cities grew independently, with local variations in architecture and urban planning.
Classical Standard
The Han dynasty saw the emergence of the "Kaogongji" text, which described an idealized imperial capital characterized by a square shape, grid structure, and prominent central palace.
Imperial Era
Under imperial rule, urban planning aimed to extend authority across China through an economic and political hierarchy. Counties became the primary administrative units, while imperial capitals were designed to symbolize the emperor's power and connect with heaven.
Neoclassical Standard
During the Ming dynasty, urban planning closely followed the principles of the "Kaogongji" model, exemplified by the layout of the capital city of Beijing.