Foreword
Chinese imperial palaces are paragons of ancient Chinese architectural technology and landscape art. As the symbol of imperial power, they conform to rigorous conventions of style and form, exude a majestic aura, and are fascinating to behold. Representing the peak of ancient Chinese construction and artistic creation, they fully embody traditional cultural symbolism as well as philosophical notions such as the harmony between man and nature.
Ancient Chinese imperial palace complexes that have been preserved in relatively good condition include the Forbidden City in Beijing, the Shenyang Imperial Palace, the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace in Beijing, and the Mountain Resort in Chengde, Hebei Province. Ming and Qing imperial palaces, such as the Forbidden City and the Shenyang Imperial Palace incorporate aspects from architectural masterpieces of prior dynasties, are rigorously planned in terms of their spatial layout and are magnificent to look at. The Temple of Heaven complex in Beijing is a treasure trove of Chinese ritual and sacrificial architecture. Meanwhile, the Summer Palace in Beijing and the Mountain Resort in Chengde, Hebei Province, take advantages of surrounding natural scenery and totally demonstrate the majesty of imperial landscape art. They can be thought of as defining masterpieces of ancient Chinese landscaping and have both been included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. There are many other exquisite and unique ancient imperial gardens in Beijing, such as Jingshan, Beihai, the Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) and Xiangshan. These ancient royal palaces have become an important part of the splendid civilization and cultural memory of ancient China with their unique architectural art, rich collection of cultural relics and national spiritual connotation.
In collaboration with Bureau of International Exchanges and Cooperation, Ministry of Culture and tourism of the People’s Republic of China, China Cultural Centre in Sydney is presenting Regal Tributes to the Harmony between Man and Nature, A Photo Exhibition Showcasing the Beauty of Ancient Chinese Imperial Palaces and Gardens from 3 November on our website. This online exhibition features 70 exquisite photographic pictures, highlighting the Forbidden City in Beijing, Shenyang Imperial Palace, the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace in Beijing and the Mountain Resort in Chengde, Hebei Province. It showcases the unique aspects of ancient Chinese palaces and gardens, such as the layout, individual structure, decorations, color schemes and landscapes, and presents the captured breathtaking scenes from all times of the year, allowing visitors to perceive traditional Chinese culture as well as the beauty of ancient Chinese palaces and gardens from a variety of perspectives.
The Forbidden City in Beijing and the Shenyang Imperial Palace
Temple of Heaven
The Summer Palace
Chengde Mountain Resort
Scenic Mountain · North Sea · Fragrant Mountain · The old Summer Palace
