Experience the urban context in the historical changes

2025-05-15

Beijing has a history of over 3000 years of city construction and over 800 years of capital building. Since ancient times, the land of Youyan has been a gathering place for people and culture, and the works of literati and poets who have praised Beijing throughout history are endless. The historical evolution of Beijing is very long, and its jurisdiction has undergone frequent changes, and its titles have also changed with the times. The "Art and Literature Beijing Series" includes four types: "Beijing in Ancient Poetry," "Beijing in Ancient Prose," "Beijing in Ancient Opera," and "Beijing in Ancient Couplets." Collecting and editing ancient poems and literature about Beijing is undoubtedly a difficult task. Ancient prose is the most clear representation of the inheritance trajectory of Beijing's cultural heritage, as well as the most reflective of the formation of Beijing's cultural temperament and spiritual atmosphere. The selection of "Beijing in Ancient Prose" begins with Le Yi's "Letter to Prince Hui of Yan" and ends with Lin Shu's "Record of Cuiwei Mountain", which carries significant implications that can be further explored. Le Yi fled to the state of Zhao due to the suspicion of King Hui of Yan, but still adhered to the ancient gentleman's virtue of "never making bad noises in friendship". He was praised by later generations as "willing to be worshipped in life, willing to die rather than plan for Yan" and became a model of righteousness for literati. After reading Sima Qian's "Biography of Jing Ke" and Zhu Fu's "Letter to the Governor of Youzhou and Peng Chong", we will know that at least during the Qin and Han dynasties, "chivalry" had become a part of the historical and cultural accumulation in the Beijing area. Who wouldn't be "angry and full of finger crowns" for the passionate and mournful song "The wind is weak and the water is cold, and the brave are gone forever"! This trait is closely related to Beijing's unique geographical location and its long history of warfare. In the Tang Dynasty, Han Yu also reminded in his "Preface to Sending Dong Shaonan" that "customs and changes" may not necessarily be the same as in ancient times in Youzhou. Until the end of the Qing Dynasty, Zeng Guofan still emphasized that "the quality of heroism can be compared to the path of becoming a sage", and listed predecessors such as Yang Jisheng and Zhao Nanxing as inheritors of Beijing's cultural heritage. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, travelogues and small essays were popular, not only because the authors had lived in Beijing for a long time, but also because of the prosperity of small essays in the Ming Dynasty. The conclusion of "Beijing in Ancient Prose" with Lin Shu's "Record of Cuiwei Mountain" highlights the continuity of ancient literature. Professor Ma Dongyao, the editor in chief of the "Prose Compilation" and "Poetry Volume Compilation" series, wrote in the preface: While reading Yuan Hongdao's "Journey to Gaoliang Bridge", the author suddenly realized that the place where he lived was next to the old site of Gaoliang Bridge. Although it was once the most scenic spot in the capital, it is now located in the outskirts. Today, Beijing has already expanded from the inner city to beyond the Sixth Ring Road. The development of the country has brought about a new look to the ancient capital. On the other hand, the pavilions and towers in Beijing's famous gardens or the bricks and tiles in unknown hutongs may all contain rich historical and cultural connotations. In history, although Beijing was located on the border for a long time, its cultural heritage has been long, which is fully reflected in the "Prose Compilation" and "Poetry Compilation" of the "Book Series". The selection of "Beijing in Ancient Poetry" dates back to the Wei and Jin dynasties, and the editors may have their own reasons. The selected works are all famous in literary history, providing excellent descriptions of Beijing's regional characteristics and expressing their deep affection and friendship for Beijing. Among them, Chen Ziang's "Song of Climbing to Youzhou Terrace" has resonated with countless readers for thousands of years with its deep sorrow, anger, desolation, and heroic poetry. Cao Zhi's "White Horse Poem", Liu Kun's "Rewriting the Poem to Lu Chen", as well as the poems of Zuo Si, Tao Yuanming, Bao Zhao, Yu Wenzhao, Xu Ling, Yu Xin, and even Tang Dynasty poetry, all pay special attention to the unique frontier imagery and image of Beijing, vividly interpreting the spiritual temperament of "many generous and sorrowful singers in Yan and Zhao". Beijing is located at the intersection of grassland culture and agricultural culture, and this unique cultural trait is the result of the collision and integration of the two civilizations. The works of poets such as Yuwen Zhao, Wanyan Tang, Yelu Chucai, and Sadura included in the book are also historical witnesses of the integration and development of multi-ethnic cultures in the Beijing area. During the Liao and Jin dynasties, the urban status of Beijing underwent significant changes. During the Liao Dynasty, Beijing was designated as Nanjing, while during the Jin Dynasty, Nanjing was renamed as the central capital. By the Yuan Dynasty, Kublai Khan, the founder of the Yuan Dynasty, established the capital city. The Ming and Qing dynasties continued the system of the Yuan Dynasty, with Beijing as the capital city. During this period, the portrayal of Beijing showed different colors. One type is the literati and scholars who came from the Song Dynasty to the Yuan Dynasty and from the Jin Dynasty to the Yuan Dynasty, such as Yelv Chucai, Yuan Haowen, Zhao Bingwen, Zhao Mengfu, Yu Ji, etc. In their poems, there are inevitably some thoughts about their homeland, the sadness of leaving their hometown, and at the same time, they appreciate the beautiful scenery of the capital; There is another type of Song Dynasty officials who were sent to the Liao, Jin, and Yuan dynasties, such as Ouyang Xiu, Fan Chengda, Su Zhe, Su Song, Liu Chang, etc. Their mentality is relatively complex. Their observations and feelings towards the north are both novel and emotional, expressing their desire to restore the Central Plains; Of course, there are exceptions like Wen Tianxiang. He was defeated and captured in battle, and was taken to custody in the local prison of the Military Bureau. His "Song of Righteousness" was written here. Commentary on the title of "Beijing in Ancient Poetry": "Zhengqi Song" is grand in length, prominent in theme, and has a clear structure. Haoran Zhengqi runs through the entire text, so it narrates the deeds of ancient people and one's own experiences, and can be generous, sorrowful, and heart wrenching. Poetry embodies the great righteousness and patriotism of human beings, and has had a huge influence on countless righteous and benevolent people in later generations. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Beijing, as the capital city, gathered numerous literati and scholars. Whether seeking fame and fortune as students, officials as scholars, or struggling scholars, they have all created a large number of poems reflecting the life of the capital city through socializing and singing. These works either depict the splendor of palace life and royal gardens, or record the various customs and festivals of the city, especially the vivid depiction of Beijing's scenery in bamboo branch lyrics, greatly enriching the connotation of Beijing culture and showcasing the vibrant and lively side of this ancient capital. The unique feature of the series is' Beijing in Ancient Chinese Opera '. Looking through the articles, there are many familiar faces, but I have never thought about their relationship with Beijing. Yuan Dynasty drama is a treasure of Chinese literature. As for the Kunqu Opera of the Ming Dynasty and the Peking Opera of the Qing Dynasty, they have played a significant role in shaping the cultural landscape, cultural literacy, and character of Beijing people. Especially in the Beijing area, the cultivation of folk customs, ethical morals, and behavioral patterns relies heavily on traditional Chinese opera. Liang Qichao once pointed out that traditional Chinese opera has an incredible power to dominate humanity, and its touching depth is unparalleled. However, its ability to move people's personalities is both divine and wonderful, and among many texts, it cannot be surpassed. This selection includes seven parts from the Yuan Dynasty, thirteen parts from the Ming Dynasty, and nine parts from the Qing Dynasty, covering various aspects of Beijing, from the unique royal atmosphere and political atmosphere to the daily life of the common people outside the court. These are all concentrated in opera works, forming an important part of Beijing culture. As for 'Beijing in Ancient Couplets', those familiar with Beijing will naturally understand it. Reading this series is like experiencing the baptism of ancient culture, leaving a lasting impression. (New Society)

Edit:Momo    Responsible editor:Chen zhaozhao

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