I thought it worthwhile to reflect for a moment on the question; What does “an ancient city” really mean in China? Are we talking about something like the Mayan city of Tikal in Guatemala? Perhaps a more familiar Rome or Athens where ancient ruins are part of and enhance the spectacle of the modern city that co-occupies the same space? I still have not answered the question to my own satisfaction but at least I can conclude, that it’s neither of the above. The truly historical remnants in China’s cities are under the twin pressures of economic expansion and population growth. In many cases what’s left of “ancient cities” is a patchwork of buildings whose existence is appreciated by only a small part of the local population. Like so many other places the time to come and visit is as soon as possible if you hope to see the last of these historical reminders of another time and reality.
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I thought it worthwhile to reflect for a moment on the question; What does “an ancient city” really mean in China? Are we talking about something like the Mayan city of Tikal in Guatemala? Perhaps a more familiar Rome or Athens where ancient ruins are part of and enhance the spectacle of the modern city that co-occupies the same space? I still have not answered the question to my own satisfaction but at least I can conclude, that it’s neither of the above. The truly historical remnants in China’s cities are under the twin pressures of economic expansion and population growth. In many cases what’s left of “ancient cities” is a patchwork of buildings whose existence is appreciated by only a small part of the local population. Like so many other places the time to come and visit is as soon as possible if you hope to see the last of these historical reminders of another time and reality. 