Sui-Tang Era City Planning and Chang'an Layout

Yangzhou was a crucial center for salt production and international trade in southern China, especially during the Tang dynasty. It played a key role in the economy, and its grid system, while less structured than Chang'an, still reflected its importance as a bustling city.

The Taijigong, located in Chang'an, was the main palace complex of the Tang Dynasty. It spanned a vast area, included multiple buildings for different purposes, and served as the central administrative hub of the empire.

Located on higher ground in Chang'an, Daminggong offered panoramic views of the city. It was famous for its opulent halls, including the Hanyuan Hall for imperial ceremonies and the Linde Hall for banquets. The palace also included the Taiye Pond, a symbolic feature referencing the mythical Mount Penglai, representing immortality.

The Xingqinggong, gradually expanded over time, symbolized Tang emperors' personal power. Its history is closely intertwined with the An-Shi Rebellion, signifying the turbulent era. Its detached palaces, like the Renshougong, served as retreats for emperors, often located in scenic or topographically unique locations.

Palaces in the Tang Dynasty were not just luxurious residences but also reflected the emperors' power and the grandeur of the empire. Each palace served a specific function, whether it was governing the empire, holding grand ceremonies, or providing a place for emperors to retreat from the everyday affairs of the court.

A period in Chinese history (581–907 CE) known for its cosmopolitanism, mercantilism, and remarkable architecture. It witnessed extensive trade with foreign nations and the flourishing of cities like Chang'an, Luoyang, and Guangzhou.

The presence of people from diverse cultures and backgrounds within a city. Cities like Chang'an, Luoyang, and Guangzhou attracted foreigners for trade, religious activities, and work.

An economic system emphasizing trade and accumulation of wealth through exports and favorable trade balances. During the Sui-Tang period, cities flourished as centers of commerce, attracting goods and merchants through land and sea routes.

The capital city of the Sui and Tang Dynasties, hosting over a million inhabitants. It featured a meticulously planned grid layout with a large outer wall, an organized street network, and a central palace-city.

A key street in Chang'an, running through the city's center. Lined with locust trees, it separated the imperial lane for official use from the flanking lanes for unidirectional traffic.

A system of city planning characterized by a rectangular grid layout with major streets and smaller alleys intersecting at right angles. It emphasized symmetry and order, reflecting the Chinese belief in harmony and balance.

A smaller city than Chang'an, but still important as a political and cultural hub. Its layout differed from Chang'an's due to topographical constraints, leading to an asymmetric grid formation.

The primary principle behind the planning of Chang'an, focusing on symmetry and order. It involved creating a precise grid system to achieve a sense of harmony and balance within the city.