Abstract
Abstract. Located in the northeastern part of China, the stretch of land named Liaoning is a region historically characterised by the convergence of multiple ethnicities and cultures. It used to be the northeastern boundary of central China with an array of military cities and fortresses intensively built for military defence. Unlike palaces and gentry residences, vernacular residences and urban tissue existing widely in historical towns are excluded in the national protection schedule and have thus experienced different levels of damages. They feature a paradox that the general city form is well preserved whilst architectural forms are changed to a large extent. Most vernacular buildings have endured centennial baptisms, as evidenced by their architectural layouts, structures, roofing, walls, decorations etc. As most historical Chinese cities are not renowned tourist destinations, they are faced with various threats and are on the verge of extinction. The threats include the departure of young residents, decay of historical architecture, insufficient financial and technical support for architectural renovation, improper modifications by residents and demolition of entire historical neighbourhoods. Such threats are widespread in Chinese historical cities which are struggling to survive. Prior to the implementation of professional interventions, the urban forms and vernacular architecture of such historical cities should be studied. Through on-site investigation and query of historical data, especially the historical satellite city maps of U.S. Geological Survey, this study analyses the current life conditions in the context of traditional architecture, reveals problems in the use of historical architecture, identifies potential threats and summarises the underlying reasons. Suggestions benefitting local architectural conservation are then put forward.
Highlights
Under the rule of the early Ming dynasty in the late 14th century, the building of massive military defence cities reached a rare climax at the northern border of China due to military defence considerations
Most residents are unaware of renovation methods for historical architecture whilst only a few craftsmen in Liaoning Province are proficient in such traditional techniques
As most of these historical towns are not included in any protection schedule, legislation is ineffective in terms of advancing the inheritance of traditional architectural craftsmanship
Summary
Under the rule of the early Ming dynasty in the late 14th century, the building of massive military defence cities reached a rare climax at the northern border of China due to military defence considerations. A series of military defence cities and towns was established in the Liaodong prefecture (presently located within Liaoning Province, south of the Great Wall) at the farthest east end (Wang Guixiang, 2013) These old cities and towns still exist today, and they have become important historical and cultural carriers of this region. The heritage of the historical urban tissue becomes living fossils that record the forms and changes of historical cities and towns Many of these structures are not listed in protection schedules at any level and have rarely been studied. At the beginning of this century, the US Geological Survey published satellite maps of Chinese cities during the Cold War when most historical Chinese cities had not been demolished on a large scale These maps should be helpful in the search for significant urban changes over the last 40 years
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