Sui and Tang City Planning II PDF

[Sui and Tang] City Planning II Architecture for Empires Overview of the Sui-Tang Era ​ The Sui-Tang period (581–907) is marked by cosmopolitanism and mercantilism. ○​ Cosmopolitanism: Chinese cities became homes for people from all parts of the...

[Sui and Tang] City Planning II Architecture for Empires Overview of the Sui-Tang Era ​ The Sui-Tang period (581–907) is marked by cosmopolitanism and mercantilism. ○​ Cosmopolitanism: Chinese cities became homes for people from all parts of the world. Foreigners came to China for trade, religious proselytizing, and work. Examples: ​ Cities like Chang’an, Luoyang, and Guangzhou were vibrant centers of culture and commerce. ○​ Mercantilism: Foreign goods and traders were brought by land and sea routes (e.g., the Silk Roads and Grand Canal). ​ Monumental architecture flourished, leaving behind city layouts, palace designs, and religious constructions. Three Great Cities 1.​ Chang’an (Daxing) ○​ Chang’an was the Sui and Tang capital, hosting over 1 million of China's 50 million population. ○​ City Layout: ​ Orthogonal grid with a vast outer wall (84 sq km). ​ The palace-city (imperial residences) and imperial-city (government offices) were central. ​ Streets were highly organized: ​ Vermilion Bird Avenue (main thoroughfare) was lined with locust trees. ​ Streets divided the city into 110 walled wards with strict access control. ​ Major streets (150–220 meters wide) were divided into three lanes: central for imperial use, and flanking lanes for unidirectional traffic. ○​ Markets: ​ The east market served wealthier residents, while the west market was a hub for foreign merchants, creating a linguistically diverse atmosphere. ​ Wards had guarded gates and included religious institutions such as Buddhist monasteries, Daoist temples, and Zoroastrian structures. ○​ Imperial Urbanism:  ​ The city followed traditional Chinese principles (e.g., symmetry and a planned grid), achieving a "perfect" grid system. 2.​ Luoyang ○​ Smaller than Chang’an but retained significance as a political and cultural hub. ○​ Differences: ​ Asymmetry due to topography and water supply constraints. ​ Divided into northern and southern sections by the Luo River. ​ Three markets instead of two. ​ Known for specialized districts, such as Hanjia (granaries) and East City (kilns for bricks/tiles). 3.​ Yangzhou ○​ A southern trade hub, vital for salt production and foreign commerce. ○​ Tang Yangzhou had a palace-city, but its grid system was less structured. ○​ The city suffered during the An-Shi Rebellion (760) and again in 879 under Huang Chao but rebounded economically as a center for goods like tea, silk, and gemstones. Palace Architecture ​ Palaces reflected the grandeur of the empire and its emperors: 1.​ Taijigong (Great Ultimate Palace) in Chang’an: ​ Covered 4.2 sq km, three complexes (main hall for ceremonies, crown prince's palace, court women’s quarters). ​ Served as the administrative hub with significant offices (e.g., Hall of State, Grand Secretariat). 2.​ Daminggong (Great Numinous Palace): ​ Located on higher ground, offering views of Chang’an. ​ Featured lavish halls like Hanyuan Hall (for imperial ceremonies) and Linde Hall (banquets). ​ Taiye Pond included symbolic elements (e.g., Mount Penglai representing immortals). 3.​ Xingqinggong (Private Palace): ​ Expanded over decades, symbolizing personal imperial power. Its history intertwined with the An-Shi Rebellion. ​ Detached palaces (e.g., Renshougong) served as retreats for emperors, often built in scenic or topographically unique locations.