Site Location of the Monument in Modern Guangzhou: A Perspective on Collective Memory

Abstract

In recent years, more and more scholars have begun to pay attention to the memory content of monuments/memorials or explore collective and cultural memory through monuments/memorials. However, these studies mainly focus on the history and memory of urban public areas or monuments. The objectives of this research were to analyze the distribution characteristics of the site location of the monument in modern Guangzhou and then interpret the collective memory content of the Chinese-style monument site. The whole research is based on constructivist methodology and qualitative phenomenological research strategy, and the final research results can provide a more in-depth discussion on the memory research of monuments. The research procedures consisted of on-site observation, map and literature research data collection, the coding and classification of monument cases and sites, and the comparative analysis of visual data. Finally, the site selection characteristics of the monument in modern Guangzhou are summarized, and its collective memory content is deduced. The research results show that: (1) Chinese traditional culture emphasizes the harmonious relationship between man and nature, which profoundly affects people’s collective memory and the site selection of the monument in modern Guangzhou. (2) The mausoleum park-style memorial site is a sublime Chinese-style commemorative place, its eternal symbolic meaning and characteristics conducive to tourists’ visits are its success factors. (3) The selection of monument sites in Chinese-style mausoleum parks is a practical choice in line with the characteristics of Chinese culture, which reflects the collective memory of Chinese people who pursue lofty and eternal meanings.