2008 Nautilus Book Awards Gold Medal Winner
Author: Nan Shunxun and Beverly Foit-Albert
Hardcover - 278 pages, 9.5x11, 293 color photographs, 100 black/white illustrations, glossary, timeline of Chinese Dynasties, index, bibiliography
Language - English
China is home to some of the world's most impressive architectural achievements. But there is far more to this complex and subtle world than the Great Wall or the majestic Imperial Palace. Tucked away in remote valleys, perched on high cliffs, or set along winding rivers and placid lakes, China's lesser-known sacred architectural sites convey a vision of human culture existing harmoniously in nature. This vision is highly relevant today as we look for sustainable models of development in the face of unprecedented ecological changes.
Part One of China's Sacred Sites introduces mountainscape feng shui, a traditional science of building design based on close observation of natural phenomena and drawing on the philosophical ideals of Buddhism,Confucianism, and Taoism. Chapters by Nan Shunxun convey the basics ofthis science in an accessible format and set out a visual grammar of the architectural elements found in mountainscape feng shui.
Part Two features 42 selected architectural sites that convey the essence of mountainscape feng shui. This section is the result of extensive travel and careful documentation on the part of Professor Nanand his associates, including co-author Beverly Foit-Albert and photographer John Valentino. While far from a comprehensive survey, it includes previously undocumented sites as well as some that will soon be lost to the increasing demands of human society on the natural world.
This beautiful volume illustrates the principles of mountainscape feng shui with 300 color photographs and 100 architectural drawings. A glossary, timeline of Chinese dynasties, bibliography, and index provide resources for further exploration.