Page 87 - JCAU-5-2

Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Landscape esthetic characteristics

Theory” lies in its comprehensive exploration of the above- elements based on existing material entities. Moreover, it
mentioned three key aspects. He summarizes these aspects can be interpreted from the perspectives of regional and
as the regional and technical characteristics, the social technical characteristics. People’s perceptions of the “form”
milieu, and the artistic and human qualities. of Mount Jingfu are what creates its beauty. According
Figure 2 presents the research framework employed to Zhu Guang-qian (one of the founders of the study of
th
in this paper, illustrating the analysis of the esthetic esthetics in 20 -century China), the “form” refers to an
characteristics of Mount Jingfu’s landscape based on the image or graphic of independence and self-sufficiency.
Cultural and Regional Disposition Theory under landscape He asserted that people’s perceptions and experiences
esthetics. This framework aids in identifying the logical of beauty stem from their intuitions toward the “form,”
structure of the landscape. According to the psychological and as a result, people primarily sense the beauty of the
process of appreciating a landscape, the esthetic perception landscape through their vision of its specific “material
of Mount Jingfu can be attributed to two factors. First, it form” (Yu, 1998). When it comes to the esthetic structure
arises from the material form of the landscape. Second, of Mount Jingfu’s landscape, the exploration of internal
it is influenced by the social spirit and motive that the form is closely intertwined with the external form, which
landscape embodies. These factors contribute to a more encompasses not only the overall outline and shape of
subjective, internal, and rational perception, resulting in a the Qingxu Temple complex but also external beauty
primary esthetic experience (Scruton, 2009). By exploring presented by various elements such as mountains, waters,
the cultural connotation and esthetic ideals of the villages, fields, forests, and residences within the Mount Jingfu area
a more profound esthetic experience can be attained. (Zhou, 2006). As humans, we can perceive the beauty of
Therefore, this article primarily focuses on studying the nature and artificial landscapes of unique features through
esthetic qualities of Mount Jingfu’s landscape and delving the five senses and appreciate breathtaking scenery,
into its cultural and regional disposition. The key to melodic natural sounds, and the changing of seasons. Based
studying the esthetic characteristics of the mountain lies in on their visual scope, these elements can be categorized
the analysis of its regional and technical characteristics, the as the environmental design, spatial layout, and material
social milieu, and the artistic and human qualities. utilization in Mount Jingfu’s landscape.
2.2. Social ambiance
2.1. Material form
Exploring the social esthetic drives and implications
As a significant subject of esthetic research, Mount Jingfu’s
“Grotto-Heavens and Blissful Lands” landscape is a spatial behind the material form is the second dimension of
form that comprises visible, tangible, and perceptible Mount Jingfu’s “Grotto-Heavens and Blissful Lands”
landscape’s esthetic culture, which also corresponds to the
social milieu under the Regional and Cultural Disposition
Theory (Tang, 2017). In esthetic activities related to the
landscape, people’s esthetic preferences are influenced by
multiple factors, including diverse mountain formations,
water flows, spatial layouts, and distinctive architectural
designs. To further enhance the appreciation for the beauty
of Mount Jingfu and fully engage in the esthetic experience,
we must explore the understanding and interpretation of
the “social esthetic implications and drives” of the
landscape. Mount Jingfu’s landscape is primarily rooted in
Daoist esthetics, but it also incorporates other coexisting
esthetic cultures. As a result, its esthetic structure is not
solely dominated by Daoist esthetic ideology but also
encompasses a diverse range of folk and highbrow esthetic
content. The esthetic features of this landscape are shaped
by religious Daoist practices, including adherence to the
Rules of Purity and Observances (Qinggui jielv, 清规戒律),
zhai and jiao rituals (Zhaijiao keyi, 斋醮科仪), and self-
cultivation. It also manifests in social gatherings and
festivals attended by literati and travelers at Mount Jingfu’s
Figure 2. Research framework. Source: Drawing by the authors landscape.

Volume 5 Issue 2 (2023) 3 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.407