Page 89 - JCAU-5-2

Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Landscape esthetic characteristics

Figure 3. Site selection and layout influenced by the geomantic omen. Right: the traditional Chinese “geomantic omen (Fengshui, 风水)” map; left: the
Qing-dynasty historic map of Mount Jingfu. Source: Drawings adapted from Chronicles of Lianzhou

view, inspiring the worship of immortals in Daoist esthetic
culture. After making the way through the largest and most
impressive Real Lord Hall, “Zhenjun dian (真君殿),” a
narrow corridor comes on the eastern side, and their minds
gradually calm down with the space opening again. The
architectural arrangement leads to the final segment of the
main path. Thus, the spatial sequence development of the
main axis of Qingxu Temple includes three cycles of
change, transitioning from open spaces to narrow ones,
during which people experience gardens, courtyards, and
architecture. As a result, the people, namely, the esthetic
subjects, sublimate their religious faith in a string of
emotional changes when admiring the well-placed
Figure 4. Landscape sequence. Source: Map adapted from Google Map combination of open and narrow spaces.

esthetic culture of Daoism. After experiencing a narrow 3.1.3. Selection of materials using locally sourced
and dim space between the entrance and Qingxu Temple, resource
there comes a turning point where people can glance at The distinctive local materials found at Mount Jingfu are
and behold the Qingxu Temple nestled on the mountainside, utilized to create a distinct regional style and features,
bathing in sunshine. This majestic sight inspires a profound thus conveying the esthetic concept of Daoism’s natural
sense of reverence (Temper & Martinez-Alier, 2013). and harmonious esthetic culture. As the landscape is in a
Climbing up the mountain path, people reach the pinnacle forested and mountainous region, materials are typically
of the spatial sequence, where Qingxu Temple stands on a selected from the surrounding natural environment, which
high platform, majestic and solemn in the bright sunlight, is readily accessible and renewable. This concept is reflected
and the Purple Palace (Ziwei dian,紫微殿) and North in the selection of construction and gardening materials, as
Emperor Palace (Beidi dian,北帝殿) on both sides of the well as the arrangement of plants.
mountain path, further enhance the grandeur and majesty As to the selection of wooden materials, the climatic
of Qingxu Temple. and geological conditions of the forested areas in Mount
As people pass through the mountain gate of Qingxu Jingfu are ideal for the growth of Chinese fir, which has
Temple, the space narrows again within their sight, and the a quick shaping process and a short harvesting cycle.
imposing statue of “Wang Lingguan (王灵官)” comes into Therefore, Chinese fir becomes the primary material for

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