Research on the planning of New Capital of Yue State planned by Fan Li
Capital city serves as the political and cultural center of a country.The planning of capital city is a significant national project,which requires adherence to political intentions and carries a certain symbolic meaning.Besides,the construction of capital city exerts a profound impact on the political,economic,and cultural development of the country at that time.During the Spring and Autumn Period of ancient China 2 500 years ago,when the states of Wu and Yue were vying for supremacy,they each undertook the construction of their respective capitals.Initially,Yue was defeated by Wu.In order to avenge the defeat and establish a dominant power,King Goujian of Yue commissioned Fan Li to plan a new capital in 490 B.C.After years of hard work and perseverance,relying on the new capital,Yue eventually defeated Wu.Most existing research approaches this historical period from the perspectives of political and military history,with relatively little attention given to city planning,linking capital planning with war and hegemony.The new capital of Yue witnessed the struggle for supremacy between Wu and Yue.Studying the city planning of the new capital of Yue can uncover this ancient period,which is of great significance.The research materials used in this study primarily come from two works during the Eastern Han Dynasty(A.D.25-220)that record the history of the struggle between Wu and Yue:Wu Yue Spring and Autumn and Yuejueshu.Additionally,this study refers to the research conducted by later generations on this historical period.The research method adopted in this study is the"triple-evidence"method,which comprehensively utilizes archaeology,literature and field survey to examine the planning of the new capital of Yue,focusing on aspects such as site selection,layout,wall forms,and the symbolic significance of the planning.This study aims to rediscover the planning process and its outcoming form of the new capital of Yue.Additionally,it endeavors to explore the impact of the rivalry between Wu and Yue on the urban planning of the new capital of Yue.The research has yielded the following findings.At the level of site selection,the new capital of Yue was situated in an easily accessible area,commanding a strategic position with thoroughfares in all directions.In terms of overall layout,the new capital of Yue consisted of two parts:Dacheng(the outer walled city)and Xiaocheng(the inner walled city).Regarding the morphology of the city walls,a precise study of the wall boundaries was undertaken based on the scale of the walls as recorded in historical literature,combined with archaeological findings and topographical data.At the level of symbolic significance in city planning,it was discovered that the capitals of the rival states of Wu and Yue during their contention used symbolic representations of heaven and earth to influence each other's affairs.The capital of Wu was found to be more orderly and imposing,while the capital of Yue appeared relatively cramped,reflecting the relative strengths of the two states in the early stages of their rivalry.The significant landmarks within the city also bore symbolic meanings.Once the layout of the new capital of Yue was established,the legendary Guai Mountain(strange mountain)was said to have flown from faraway.Fan Li interpreted it as represent"Kunlun",which is the highest mountain known to the ancients and is considered a symbol of King,symbolizing the propitiousness of Yue's dominion.Finally,based on the aforementioned materials,this paper reveals the steps for the planning of the capital of Yue,including the selection of the site for the new capital,defining the axis of the city through the mountains and rivers,the planning of two walled cities,and the interconnection of the city walls.The capital city of the State of Yue has undergone 2 500 years of history with its city site remaining unchanged,which is today's Shaoxing city.Shaoxing is among the first batch of national historical and cultural cities,and the capital city of Yue is a significant carrier of its value.The city planning of the capital of Yue by Fan Li laid the foundational role for Shaoxing's status as a historical and cultural city.This paper,against the backdrop of the rivalry between the states of Wu and Yue,studies the planning of the new capital of Yue and its symbolic significance,with the aim of providing a reference for the protection and utilization of Shaoxing's historical city.
capital city of the State of Yuecity wallspractice of ancient city planningplanning history
万方数据
维普
