Chinese City And Settlement

Question 1

Reasons for formation of cities

Answer 1

1. Defensive Strongholds: fortifications, strategic locations to enhance defenses
2. Political centres: political hierarchy, important buildings placed centrally, symbolising control and order
3. Economic hubs: central locations for trade and production, facilitate exchange of goods…
4. Cultural cores: temples, schools, public spaces for rituals…, maintained the spiritual and social life and reinforcing city’s cultural identity

Question 2

Influence of the Rites of Zhou in Urban Planning

Answer 2

Imperial city is a square, 9km on each side, 3 gates on each side
Large central square: palace complex

Such a structured layout reflected the order, power and social hierarchy of an agricultural society

Question 3

In which period cities were built according to the Well-Field System?

Answer 3

Late Western Zhou dynasty
9th century BCE

Question 4

In which period cities were built according to the Li-Fang System?

Answer 4

Establish between the Spring and Autumn Period: 770-221 BCE
And the Han Dynasty : 202 BCE-220 CE

Question 5

In which period cities were built according to the Street-Allee System?

Answer 5

From the mid-Nothern Song Dynasty

Question 6

What are the characters of the Well-Field System?

Answer 6

An ancient land redistribution method
Land divided into nine square plots
Ce real plot called «public field» surrounded by 8 private fields
Influenced city planning with organized zones for governance, commerce and housing

Question 7

What are the characters of the Li-Fang System?

Answer 7

Cities were divided symmetrically I to enclosed residential neighbourhoods called «Fang»
Commerce and craftsmanship were restricted to designated marketplaces, which has specific opening and closing times
Four classes Reside Separately: placing different social groups (scholars, farmers, artisans, merchants) in different Fangs
Strict curfew during the Tang Dynasty

Question 8

What is Shi in Li-Fang System?

Answer 8

Designated marketplaces

Question 9

What is Fang in Li-Fang system?

Answer 9

Enclosed residential neighbourhoods

Question 10

What are the characters of the Street-Allee System?

Answer 10

The gouvernement abolished curfews and removed Fang walls, leading to a more open Street Alley System
Cross shaped main roads structured the city
Secondary streets and alleys created a layered, accessible layout for commerce and public activities
Gouvernement offices, homes, shops and workshops were mixed, fostering a dynamic, interactive urban environment

Question 11

Evolution of China’s City Planning

Answer 11

1. Cross shaped main Framework: the city was intersected by four main imperial roads
2. Enhanced Accessibility: secondary streets and smaller alleys created a layered and hierarchical layout, improving access for commerce and public activities
3. A Mixed living of Officials and Commoners: Government offices, houses, shops, and alleys, fostering a more dynamic and interactive urban environment

Question 12

Evolution of China’s City Planning

Answer 12

1. Cross shaped main Framework: the city was intersected by four main imperial roads
2. Enhanced Accessibility: secondary streets and smaller alleys created a layered and hierarchical layout, improving access for commerce and public activities
3. A Mixed living of Officials and Commoners: Government offices, houses, shops, and alleys, fostering a more dynamic and interactive urban environment

Question 13

Case Study - Chang’an (Xi’an)

Answer 13

“Long lasting peace”
Capital of 13 dynasties
One of the 4 Great Ancient Capitals (Athens, Cairo, Rome)

Question 14

The city wall of Xi’an

Answer 14

Well preserved
Became a park for public since 1987
Built in Ming Dynasty (700 years ago)
14 km long
Thickness of up to 15m in some sections
One of the largest ancient city walls still standing in China

Question 15

Barbican of Xi’an

Answer 15

Protected by a barbican in the front
To protect the city gate
Fortified gateway
Behind it, multiple walls formed a defensive system that made difficult for attackers to reach the main city

Question 16

Bell Tower of Xi’an

Answer 16

1384
Ming Dynasty
3-eave quadrangular pyramidal roof

Regulating activities in the morning (beginning of the day)

Question 17

The Drum Tower of Xi’an

Answer 17

1380
Largest of its kind
3-eave hip and gable roof
Marked the end of the day, closing of the city gates

Question 18

Lifang in Xi’an

Answer 18

Families were enclosed by the high walls in the Lifang
Open spaces were rarely seen: the rulers did not want to see people gather together

Question 19

Why Xi’an was no longer considered suitable as a capital after the Tang Dynasty?

Answer 19

1. Shift in Trade and Economic Networks: Xian location in the northwest made it distant from the emerging coastal trade routes and economic centers,
2. Agricultural and Défense Challenges: Droughts impacted agriculture, and proximity to nomadic tribes made Xian vulnerable to attacks
3. Cost of Rebuilding: Xian had been severely damaged due to wars by the late Tang and early Song periods, making rebuilding too costly.
4. Strategic Location of Beijing and Nanjing: both cities are closer to China’s economic heartland and better positioned to control both the nothern frontiers and maritime trade

Question 20

Beijing in Yuan Dynasty

Answer 20

• City layout followed a grid pattern with well-organized rectangular blocks
• Palace is centrally located, surrounded by key government offices, symbolizing imperial authority
• Coty was divided into zones for governance, residence, commerce, reflecting Mongol’s administration’s focus on control and order
• Key features included a walled city, with gates strategically placed for access and defense
• Waterways were integrated I to the design for practical needs, such as transportation and irrigation

Question 21

Beijing in Qing Dynasty

Answer 21

• 1636-1912
• Divided in 3 main sections:
  —> The Forbidden City (reserved for imperial family, palace activities)
  —> The Inner City (officials and noble families houses, location of major government institutions)
  —> The Outer City (commoners, markets, religious institutions, expanding beyond the inner city walls)
• Reflection of social hierarchy, strict separation between imperial family, nobility and commoners
• The city walls expanded with larger, more fortified gates marking the boundaries between 3 zones
• Grid system was enhanced and religious structures and commerce hubs played a more significant role in the city’s daily life

Question 22

Case study - Beijing

Answer 22

Powerful symbol of the feudal order: clear separation of space and strict access rules according to the social rank and function or purpose

Construction from 1406 to 1420 (10y of planning and 4y construction)

Question 23

Significance of The Central Axis of Beijing

Answer 23

1. Cultural Symbolism: reflect Confucian Principle of centrality and harmony, emphasise balance and stability & symbolises China’s pursuit of order in governance, society and daily life
2. Architectural Aesthetics: Combines grand imperial structures with harmonious proportional relationships, creating rhythmic, layered urban spaces
3. Ritual and Ceremonial Function: Central to state rituals and ceremonies & transritionned from royal space to public ceremonial use, while maintening its significance in governance and daily life

Question 24

The Meridian Gate - Beijing

Answer 24

Largest Gate of the Forbidden City, serving as the main entrance
Built during Ming Dynasty and reprendzts the start of the emperor’s official domain

Question 25

The Hall of Supreme Harmony - Beijing

Answer 25

Largest and most important building in the Forbidden City
On the Central Axis
Was the heart of the imperial court, where the emperor held grand ceremonies such as coronations, weddings, and New Year celebrations

Question 26

Case study - Nanjing (Rise)

Answer 26

Capital for 6 dynasties
Rise of Nanjing:
1. Strategic Location: near the Yangtze River = key gateway between northern and southern China, facilitating trade and transportation
2. Economic Shift: As the economic center moved toward the Yangtze River basin, Nanjing importance grew especially as agriculture in the south flourished
3. Favorable Natural Environment: the city’s layout was shaped by mountains, valleys and waterways, providing natural defense and influencing urban design

Question 27

Why is Nanjing considered as an irregular city?

Answer 27

Old name: Jiankang
Was built more on the natural surrounding
Location and orientation are emphasised

Question 28

Symbolism of Direction of Nanjing Ciry Planning (Concept)

Answer 28

5 elements and 4 saints beasts in Chinese cosmology reflecting the traditional city planning emphasis on harmony with nature and spiritual protection

Question 29

Symbolic of Directions in Nanjing:
North

Answer 29

Black Tortoise
Wood

Protection and strength
Guardian deity in Chinese culture

Question 30

Symbolic of Directions in Nanjing:
East

Answer 30

Azure Dragon
Water

Growth and renewal
Spring and life

Question 31

Symbolic of Directions in Nanjing:
West

Answer 31

White Tiger
Gold

Stability and Rigidity
Autumn and metal

Question 32

Symbolic of Directions in Nanjing:
South

Answer 32

Vermilion Bird
Fire

Warmth and vitality