Page 103 - JCAU-6-4

Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Cultural exposition of architectural heritage

through the use of the cultural exposition model. The By applying the cultural exposition model, Pingyao
current structure and layout of the city can be traced back historical city, with its significant architectural ensemble
to the Ming dynasty, with the existing city wall erected related to traditional Chinese culture and development
in 1370 (Wang, 2011). Planned and built according to history, emerges as the most suitable case for research.
the Han ethnic group’s cultural norms, Pingyao has Examining the materiality, social relations, and spirituality
maintained China’s traditional values and belief systems. of the urban fabric allows for a holistic interpretation of
It is renowned for its well-proportioned city planning the culture underpinning the architectural structures.
and well-preserved Chinese courtyards, covering an area In addition, this approach reveals the cinematographic
of 2.25 sqkm. These houses were mainly constructed by aspects of how tangible and intangible cultural heritage are
merchants and government officials during the late Ming organized.
dynasty, continuing into the 1880s of the Qing dynasty
(Wang, 2011). 3. Literature review
Pingyao’s historic development reached an important 3.1. Cultural heritage
stage during the Ming dynasty in 1369. During this period, According to Chang (2017), “cultural heritage” broadly
the city’s military significance became vital due to its refers to anything valuable enough to be passed down
strategic geographical position. The construction of the city across generations, used in the present while being
walls was particularly important for consolidating power inherited from the past. The remarkable simplicity of this
for the new dynasty and defining the city’s place within definition, however, conceals the complexities involved
China’s historical and political settings (Wang, 2011). in identifying, interpreting, and showcasing heritage.

Pingyao exemplifies traditional city walls, urban Heritage can be divided into two categories: natural and
planning, and architectural quality, which earned it cultural heritage.
UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1997. This Natural heritage entails physical aspects such as
designation demonstrates the city’s significance, providing geography, landscapes, and biological elements, such as
visitors with insights into the lifestyle and religious geological formations, national parks, coastlines, gardens
practices of the people during the late Qing dynasty. with historical backgrounds, and archeological sites. It can
The historical and architectural features of Pingyao also include habitats of endangered species and land areas
reflect both material and spiritual culture, including with scientific or scenic value. In contrast, cultural heritage
elements of Confucianism and Daoism (Su, 2018). These refers to human-made objects that, for various reasons,
philosophies are reflected in the architectural designs and must be preserved. Cultural heritage can be both material
building elements, in addition to the design of the city and non-material. Tangible cultural heritage, also known as
infrastructure. The Confucian emphasis on social order and built heritage, includes buildings, monuments, artifacts, and
organizational hierarchy is evident in the city’s structured historical sites, which may range from single monuments to
social framework. In addition, this article identifies Daoist entire cities. Intangible cultural heritage includes practices,
ideals, such as the interconnection between the sky, earth, representations, expressions, and skills passed down through
and people, reflected in spatial designs and the Yin-Yang generations, often referred to as “living heritage.” This
compass used for city planning and distribution.
category encompasses oral history, performing arts, customs,
The architectural design of Pingyao historical city celebrations, and traditional craftsmanship, which contribute
embodies the Five Elements (Wuxing) theory – wood, to a society’s history, unity, and identity (Chang, 2017).
fire, earth, metal, and water – demonstrating the Yin-Yang Pearce (2000) elevates the concept of cultural heritage
model. Pingyao is a living example of Han ethnicity heritage:
its city walls are considered the best-preserved in China, by describing it as ideological elements that enable
and the street layout has remained largely unchanged for inheritors to achieve their real selves. He has argued that
the division between ideology and object is artificial, as no
nearly 400 years (Xiong, 2003). The city includes a city ideology exists without an object, and no object is devoid
tower, courthouse, Wen Temple, Wu Temple, and over 2000 of ideology. Thus, cultural heritage is a politically sensitive
residences and other buildings. In addition to its tangible
heritage, Pingyao retains the cultural traditions of the Han domain requiring considerable investment in both
ethnicity in northern China, including religious rituals operations and maintenance. It is a relatively established
and ceremonies, dietary customs, and folk practices. These sociological concept, functioning as both a repository of
intangible aspects of shared heritage are invaluable for the selected elements and an active agent of selection.
study of northern China’s art history, social history, and The protection of cultural heritage has been a subject
economic history. of interest in international law since the early 20 century.
th

Volume 6 Issue 4 (2024) 3 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.4189