Once the heartbeat of an empire, Chang'an City stands as one of history's most influential international metropolises. Flourishing during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the city not only embodied supreme imperial authority but also emerged as a vital hub for Eastern and Western cultural exchange.
Meticulously planned, Chang'an was laid out in a grid reminiscent of a chessboard. At its core lay the Imperial City, with the Palace City to the north and the Outer City embracing the rest. This design divided the metropolis into 108 wards and featured two bustling markets, reflecting both administrative excellence and the era's advanced aesthetic and urban planning innovations.
Modern scholarship and digital exhibitions have reignited interest in Chang'an's legacy, inspiring today’s generation to explore sustainable urban development. The city’s timeless design serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring influence of historical planning and cross-cultural dialogue on modern cities across the globe.
Reference(s):
Chang'an City: Zenith of urban planning and civilizational exchange
cgtn.com