On October 20, a thematic reading and sharing event titled “The Three Mountains and Five Gardens in Ancient Maps” was held at the Baoguo Temple in Beijing’s Xicheng District. This event was centered around the newly released book, “Collection of Old Maps of Beijing’s Three Mountains and Five Gardens,” published by the Beijing Publishing Group’s Jingban Ruoqing Company.
Cultural heritage and ancient texts are rich sources of historical information and cultural significance. Their revitalization and utilization are crucial for promoting cultural transmission and development. The book “Collection of Old Maps of Beijing’s Three Mountains and Five Gardens” is a remarkable work that integrates the revitalization of cultural heritage and ancient texts. It mainly draws from the collections at the National Library of China, featuring 66 historical maps—literary, engraved, and stone-etched—dating from the Ming Dynasty to 1949, with a focus on the Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China. This compilation includes both Chinese and foreign language maps of the Three Mountains and Five Gardens area, presented through exquisite design and high-quality environmentally friendly materials, making it not only academically valuable but also an artistic collectible. The book has been recognized as part of the 2023 Beijing Outstanding Ancient Texts Organization and Publishing Support Project.
During the event, Bai Hongye, the author of the book and a researcher at the National Library of China, was specially invited to discuss the natural geographical evolution, cultural landscape developments, and significant historical events related to the Three Mountains and Five Gardens, engaging with the audience in a journey through time. The term “Three Mountains and Five Gardens” refers to a historical and cultural heritage primarily comprised of royal gardens from the Qing Dynasty, characterized by its picturesque terrain and reflection of history. These sites are not only a culmination of traditional Chinese landscape design but also embody ancient aesthetic principles and the political, economic, and cultural landscapes of the time.
At the sharing session, Bai provided an in-depth interpretation of the history and culture of the Three Mountains and Five Gardens, along with a detailed introduction to the content and features of the map collection, including the wealth of information embedded in the maps and how they can help us understand the area’s historical transformations.
Bai also shed light on the origins of the rare imagery found in the map collection and the stories behind them, as well as the artistic expressions reflected in the different maps. It was revealed that these maps not only depict the architecture and layout of the gardens but also mirror the social and cultural trends of the time and the scientific and aesthetic sensibilities of their creators.
