Sacred Landscapes of Imperial China: Astronomy, Feng Shui, and the Mandate of Heaven

This book explores the architectural and celestial aspects of ancient Chinese imperial necropolises, examining how the tombs were designed to align with celestial cycles and the cosmos, incorporating principles of Feng Shui. It discusses key sites such as the Xian "pyramids," Tang dynasty mountain tombs, and Ming and Qing imperial tombs.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 179 pages
Publication date: 16 June 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This captivating book delves into the enigmatic realm of ancient Chinese imperial necropolises, exploring them through the lens of Archaeoastronomy, a discipline that considers the landscape in which these monuments stand, with a special emphasis on celestial aspects. The power of the Chinese emperors was deeply rooted in the belief in the Mandate of Heaven, which granted them the role of intermediaries between the celestial gods and the earthly realm. Consequently, the architecture of their tombs, beginning with the awe-inspiring mausoleum of the first emperor, became intricately intertwined with celestial cycles and the vast cosmos. This profound relationship, however, was not solely governed by celestial influences, as various other factors and doctrines came into play. During the Han period, the Zhao-Mu doctrine emerged, emphasizing the harmonious balance between humans and nature. Later, the diverse forms of Feng Shui, a Chinese practice of spatial arrangement, further shaped the sacred landscapes constructed over centuries.

Among the sites analyzed in this book are the remarkable "pyramids" of Xian from the Han dynasty, the majestic mountain tombs of the Tang dynasty, and the splendid Ming and Qing imperial tombs. The author elucidates how meticulous considerations such as astronomical orientation and topographical alignment, guided by the principles of Feng Shui, played a pivotal role in the design and construction of these awe-inspiring sacred landscapes.

Through meticulous research and analysis, this book offers a profound understanding of the intricate interplay between ancient Chinese culture, astronomy, and spatial arrangement, shedding light on the rich tapestry of imperial necropolises and their profound connection to the celestial realm.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030493264
Edition number: 1st ed. 2020