[pp.111-118]
Xin GENG Ruofei GAO and Junhua ZHANG (Chiba University / Tianjin University of Technology)
Abstract:
The “Eight Views” is a concept that signifies the special features of the landscape of a particular region. This study focuses on the Eight Views of Yanjing, one of the existing Chinese Eight Views. Through field research and an analysis of previous studies and of landscape paintings created by court painters, we summarize the characteristics of the Eight Views of Yanjing. Our analysis explains the relationship between individual Eight Views and the urban landscape, the characteristics of landscape composition, and ways of viewing the Eight Views of Yanjing. We argue that there are four types of constitution and four viewing modes in the Eight Views of Yanjing. Our field research also shows that the Eight Views of Yanjing, an important cultural artifact, is degenerating over time and because of environmental issues. Fortunately, the Eight Views of Yanjing have, in recent years, benefitted from conservation projects and the construction of tourist resorts and city parks.
Key Word:
Eight Views of Yanjing, landscape features, status quo, conservation