Promenades Through Chinese Architecture in Its Period of Vigor and Period of Elegance

This tour's central theme is the assertion made by Mr. Liang Sicheng in his renowned book, A Pictorial History of Chinese Architecture, that Chinese architecture progresses from "the period of vigor" to "the period of elegance". The cities of Zhengding in Hebei and Taiyuan in Shanxi boast precious ancient buildings that exemplify the maturity of Chinese architecture. Join us on an extraordinary journey to experience the grandeur of ancient Chinese architecture.

The "Tale of Two Cities" tour begins at the provincial museums, where you will learn about the extensive history and unique cultural essence of each place. The Zhengding Longxing Temple and the Taiyuan Jin Ancestral Temple are among the most celebrated Song Dynasty architectural complexes. The tour will connect the legacy of ceremonial and Buddhist architecture in both places by visiting the Dou Daifu Ancestral Temple, Zetian Temple, and Zhenguo Temple in Taiyuan and the Kaiyuan Temple, Zhengding Confucius Temple, and others in Zhengding. These works are all significant examples of Chinese architectural history, deeply rooted in Chinese culture. This in-depth exploration will transport you through millennia, allowing you to grasp the "rituals" and Buddhist design philosophy behind these buildings and spaces.