Interpretation of Time and Scenery to Explore the Law of SHIJING Construction in Eight Scenic Spots:A Case Study Based on Jianghan Plain

WAN Min; CHEN Qiyu; FANG Chenxin; TAN Chaoyi

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1000-0232.2025.02.009

Abstract：SHIJING is a contraction of terms meaning"temporal landscape".At present,most research focuses on the integration of time and space in specific garden landscapes.Further,canonical books and gardening practices after the Qin and Han Dynasties are the major research objects.However,the origin and development of SHIJING in traditional landscapes have not been explored systematically.To further understand the concepts of time and landscape,and elaborate on the evolution of SHIJING,as well as its effects on Chinese landscape practice,the traditional SHIJING in China since the Xia Dynasty was studied thoroughly herein. First,the origin of the idea of SHIJING was explored through the philological analysis of the words"time"and"scenery".The oracle bone of"time"is related to the operation of the sun,and the meaning of"Guibiao"was introduced during the Warring States period.On the one hand,the measurement of Guibiao formed the basis of the time structure system.On the other hand,the Tai Ji Diagram formed by tracks of Guibiao also verified the idea of"time and space as one".This idea became the philosophical foundation of SHIJING's landscape selection and creation,influencing the landscape culture under the context of an agricultural civilization.Through the analysis of the"Han Dynasty Doctrine"and"Jingjing Doctrine",the initial meaning of the word"Jing"or its early associated derivations are mostly obtained from shadow measurement,positioning or observing,and teaching time;it can be considered that Jing is derived from"time". Second,a collection of eight scenic spots of Jianghan Plain was chosen as the research object.SHIJING in these eight scenic spots of the traditional city was screened and analyzed.A total of 158 SHIJING in 272 scenic items were identified,and five regular characteristics of SHIJING were summarized:1)main control over the eight scenic spots.Among eight scenic spots,SHIJING accounts for the highest quantity and weight,and it dominates the construction of the traditional urban landscape.2)Great changes have taken place in number.The number of SHIJING varies significantly among different cities.3)Homogeneity as compensation for shortages.The areas with homogeneity of the natural landscape enhance the abundance and characteristics of the landscape through SHIJING.4)Auspicious times and auspiciousness.SHIJING presents a beautiful and peaceful scene.5)Integration of time and space.The eight scenic items are characteristic of a combination of space and time. Finally,the preference for SHIJING in the eight traditional city scenes of Jianghan Plain was discussed.It was found that words like"night moon"and"sunset"are highly appreciated,reflecting the preference for a specific time scene,and the pursuit of landscape and humanity complement each other in the spatial dimension.In terms of the category,natural SHIJING is the most preferred,which mainly focuses on light scenery and is supplemented by gas scenery.The seasonal scenes take a dominant role,supplemented by unconventional SHIJING.In terms of the senses,the soundscape is the most popular and it mobilizes various senses to create a rich world.In terms of the ideological concepts,influenced by the Taoist"unity of man and nature"view of the distribution of natural and auspicious phenomena,the Buddhist landscape plays a dominant role in religious scenes,supplemented by landscapes of the Taoist.Influenced by agricultural culture,farming is the major landscape,supplemented by fishing and hunting landscapes,with an emphasis on the farming period in spring,autumn,and winter. In summary,this study traces the origin of SHIJING,refines SHIJING in the eight scenic spots of the Jianghan Plain,summarizes its characteristics,and concludes the location preferences and rules of SHIJING.This is conducive to obtain a deep understanding of the connotations and values of SHIJING in traditional Chinese landscape gardens,as well as its applications in landscape construction practices.The results provide important theoretical references and cases for research and practices in the associated fields.These results have a positive significance to further explore the unique charm of SHIJING in traditional Chinese garden culture,and also offer a beneficial historical reference for temporal design in contemporary landscape gardens.