Page 92 - JCAU-5-2

Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Landscape esthetic characteristics

characteristics of worshiping multiple immortals. As long of balance between nature and the inner world and respect
as it is beneficial, people will worship gods devoutly, which for nature and others. It also emphasizes the harmonious
reflects a strong utilitarian esthetic value. It is the innate relations between humans and nature, as well as humans
characteristics of folk esthetics that have triggered the and society. Due to this esthetic concept, people face their
utilitarianism of polytheistic worship and Daoist lives more positively and improve their personal qualities
immortals. Qingxu Temple venerates a variety of deities and self-cultivation. Specifically, Daoism stresses self-
with distinct abilities, catering to the spiritual needs of cultivation and advocates the idea of “governing by doing
different individuals. This is a key factor in understanding nothing” (Wuwei erzhi, 无为而治), that is, maintaining a
why the temple holds great appeal among the local folks. balance and health in mind and body through
For example, Real Lord Temple in Mount Jingfu is one of inner calmness and tranquility (Liu & Liang, 2020).
the temples that worship the Real Lord, a Daoist immortal. Daoism also advocates the idea of “boundless love”
According to Daoist beliefs, Real Lord has possessed (Daai wubian, 大爱无边), which values caring for others
incredible divine powers and magical abilities after and society and establishing good interpersonal relations
becoming an immortal. These powers can bless believers through selfless dedication and helping others. These
with peace and success. Therefore, for believers, the concepts and values of Daoism contribute to maintaining a
blessings of the Temple include good health, family calm and stable mentality, improving self-awareness and
harmony, a successful career, prosperity, and so on. self-management, and establishing healthy interpersonal
Meanwhile, devotees can pray for Daoist items such as relations and social harmony. Therefore, Daoist esthetics
talismans (Fu, 符), which ward off malevolent influences enable people to face life more actively and pursue a higher
and augment their spiritual energy. Ziwei dadi (紫微大帝) realm in life. Simultaneously, Mount Jingfu’s landscape
is worshiped in the Purple Palace. In traditional Chinese forges a spiritual cohesion through the medium of couplets,
culture, he is regarded as the god of constellations who plaques, inscriptions, and stone carvings that convey
oversees the fortunes and misfortunes of the world, blessing meanings with words. It gathers relevant elements into
people with peace, happiness, and health. In addition, an organic and continuous artistic conception to express
drowning accidents involving children occur in rural areas the esthetic ideal of tranquility and simplicity
every year, and as the North Emperor (Beidi, 北帝) oversees (Du & Wang, 2018). On the two pillars of Binyu
water, people will visit the North Emperor Temple during Pavilion (Bingyu ting, 宾于亭) in Qingxu Temple is a
traditional festivals to pray for protecting children from couplet titled “Previously, no one knew about Meng Binyu’s
harm (Tang et al., 2021). Other Daoist immortals such as reputation, but now his poetry is very popular in Jiangnan.”
“Yuanchen (元辰),” “Tudi gong (土地公),” and “Doumu (昔日声名喧洛下，近来诗价满江南). This line comes
Yuanjun (斗姆元君)” are also revered at Qingxu Temple. from the poem “To Meng Binyu” (Ji Meng Bingyu, 寄孟宾于)
The worship of these deities reflects the pragmatic and by Li Fang, who excelled in the imperial examinations in the
utilitarian mindsets of the people who seek help from same year as Meng Binyu (904 ‒ 991). It was erected to
specific immortals based on the nature and type of commemorate Lianzhou’s local poet Meng Binyu for
problems they encounter. This practice is influenced by the praising his low-key or modesty. The couplet inside the
esthetic consciousness of practicality and utility of people Real Lord Temple reads, “The landscape saves the crowd
in the Lingnan region. with pursuing tranquility, and the palaces demonstrate the
Daoist spirit of nihility” (清静无为洞天福地行济世，
3.3. Artistic and humanistic qualities 虚无自然宫观坛堂展道风), while the outside couplet
The artistic and humanistic qualities are manifested reads “With sincerity, one can visit the magical places of
as symbolic representations of both Daoist and folk Penglai; Without fortune, it is difficult to reach the blessed
esthetic cultures that have been materialized. They are land and famous mountains” (蓬莱胜迹真心诚意自可
endowed with the concept and significance that Daoist 游，福地名山无缘随便难到此). These sayings inspire
culture pursues originality, and Lingnan people pursue people to forge ahead and follow the good toward the noble
self-realization. These cultural expressions represent the esthetic ideals of purity and truth.
regional characteristics, the relationship between people
and the land with its humanistic qualities. 3.3.2. Simple and natural esthetic sentiment
The cultural and artistic decorations of Mount Jingfu
3.3.1. Esthetic ideal of reversion to peace and truth enhance its simple and natural esthetic sentiment.
A positive attitude toward life constitutes an essential part These decorations depict the humanistic scenery within
of the Lingnan people’s esthetic system and lays a significant it, allowing people to cultivate their sentiments while
foundation of the Daoist one, which highlights the pursuit experiencing them. Mount Jingfu’s landscape stimulates

Volume 5 Issue 2 (2023) 8 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.407