History and Analysis of Beijing - Assignment Example

? History and Analysis of Beijing Introduction The Peoples Republic of China was established on October 1949 and once again made Beijing to be itscapital. A new page in the history of old China was born. Several generations made Beijing an imperial capital city, present capital and a miniature of Chinese history. With 3,000 years of gleaming civilization, Beijing is considered to be an archaic city that glows with beauty and youth. At the present, Beijing faces the world with its impressive, lovely, unsullied, fresh and modernized appearance and still developing with each passing day. Located at north latitude of 39 degrees 56’ and east longtitude of 116 degrees 20’, Beijing grandly reposing along the north most part of the north China plain; along with the northwest is the Shanxi province and inner Mongolian plain, and from the east is the Bohai sea. Among the neighborhood provinces are the Hebei province and Tianjin to the southeast. Beijing as being considered as one of the three mega cities of China under the direct jurisdiction of the central government is divided into 10 districts and 8 respective counties. The people of Beijing are enjoying the moderate continental climate. 600 to 700 millimeters is the average rainfall Beijing receives yearly and much of it falls in late June, July, and August. Spring is dry and dusty and the best season being considered in Beijing, as well as in the whole of China is the autumn. Beijing serves as the political and cultural center of the modern China. It was the considered as the capital of many dynasties during the past, ancient times. Everything in this place picturesque the aura of the past history, battles, origins and the sensations present in this place will lead encourage anyone to feel the deep respect for the city that holds stories dated back to its origin. Taihang Mountains Beijing claimed to be a gulf by the historians and geologist two to three million years ago. The geographical distribution of Beijing is very significant to be called “Beijing Gulf”. Beijing is enclosed by Taihang Mountains located at the west and Yanshan to the north, to the east is the Bohai Bay and in front of the Hebei plain to the south. According to geologist and historians, the melting of ice and snow during spring carried enormous amount of mud from the mountains to the gulf. This was transformed to be alluvial plain and is now known to be Beijing. Mountains that surround Beijing serves as the protection cover from the northern strong winds. From the east part blew the wet air, huge plain stretched far to the southland and wide lengthy rivers and streams are some of the features that this place is made suitable environment for human to live and settle down. Inhabitants of this place are also blessed with temperate climate and plentiful rainfall that suits to agricultural activities. History of Beijing Peking Man Anthropologist’s claim that evidences shows manifestations that more than half a million years ago, in the southwest suburbs lived a Peking man. Climate condition during that time was warmer and compared to the present climate of Beijing. Relics of the Peking man was found as well as the stone tools, how the fire was used up to the tools being used way back 18000 ago. It is considered as the earliest cultural relics China have recorded in the history. The true significance of the city’s origin, tracing back 2,000 years ago, started in the period of the Western Zou Dynasty dated 11th century BC to 771 BC. The feudal lords during this time were given by the emperor plots of land in which one of the plot given was called “Ji City”. This is considered as the first city in Beijing history. During the Eastern Zhou Period dated 476 BC to 221 BC, the Ji kingdom was abolished and replace by “Yan Kingdom” but JI remains as the capital during that time. When china was unified by Emperor Qin Shi Huang, Beijing has been considered as a strategic place in China’s northern part. Beijing was called “Zhuo” from the year 582-618 during the “Sui Dynasty” with a population of 13,000 people. Beijing was later called “You” during the “Tang Dynasty” from 618-907. However, Beijing, during the past two dynasties, has not just been considered as the strategic military place but as well as the major trade center. The “Qing Dynasty” was the last imperial dynasty that the China had and it fell on October 10, 1911. It was when the Bourgeois Democracy Revolution erupted in the country and brought to the emperor of Qing Dynasty to abandon the power. The imperial capital Beijing was put to over and the last feudal dynasty ended (Haw G.S. 2007). As the strategic place in the warfare of China, Beijing manifests many battles in the Chinese war history. Chaos was continuous and the sovereignty of the city always puts to danger that made Beijing undergone to hardships and predicaments. The republic of China was founded under the leadership of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen in 1911. Under the new leadership civil war continues until the New Democratic Revolution in China occurs in 1919 that was led by the May 4th Movement. Massive demonstrations by students were on the streets until later became a nationwide movement that shook Beijing. The struggle was considered a new awakening against feudalism and foreign imperialism by the Chinese people. Like what had happened during the past dynasties, again, Beijing serves as the cradle on the cultural campaign for a new democratic revolution. As the turning point in the history of China and the result of the new democratic movement, the Communist Party of China was born. Development of Beijing The founding and the development of Beijing were through the effort of all the Chinese honoring Oriental Civilizations and Chinese cultural heritage from generations to generations. As a capital of Liao, Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties, Beijing witnessed all the major events in the history of China. Beijing also enjoyed the prosperity, achievements of various nationalities, and as aspirations for having a peaceful and happy life. Beijing is measured and well thought out as an ancient cultural city and produce many significant personalities and their achievements added to the magnificence of the national history and even shares and contributed to the treasures of the world history. In 1928, Beijing was renamed Beiping when the capital city was moved to Nanjing by the Republic of China. Later in 1949, when the People’s Republic of China was founded, Beijing was chosen to be its capital, which from then on, started the new period or era. Reconstruction of the city began in a wider range starting from the Tiananmen, clearing and constructing large square and Broadening of the Chan’ans Avenue. Big number of buildings is constructed as well as apartment buildings, roads, expressways and many others that would make the economy to move and improve in the fastest way possible. Beijing’s rapid development in a large scale is manifested, population grows rapidly, migrants are evident and as a capital of People’s Republic of China, it is now considered the center of political life among the people of China in all ethnic groups. In spite of the fact that Beijing has early relations with other countries for the sake of mutual relations, it opens its door to the world only in the 70’s as a result of the development in its policies and reforms. Beijing, at the present time, is showing the manifestations of speedy effort towards its education by illustrating the outcome of human civilization and opening all its windows of learning other countries advancement in methods with regard to management and administration. Beijing also aims to achieve better and speedy result when it comes to its reconstruction. Beijing has undergone big changes and routing towards modernization. It was able to connect the ancient Chinese Civilization with the achievements of the modern Beijing and creates an empowered spirit among the people of Beijing and the whole world (Yue Dong, M. 2003). The Comprehensive reform and Open policy of Beijing during the late 70’s pushed the economic growth and even expected to for further growth before reaching the 90’s. Map of Beijing Map of Beijing during the 30’s after the World War II Present Topographical of Beijing Present map of the Beijing and its landmark Construction History of Beijing It is said that the problems of the cities with regard to dealing with the growing population is through building the new city it self replacing the old one. These include the improvement on the lives of the people meeting the basic necessities such as food, shelter, clothing, health, education, and jobs. Part of dealing with urbanization is the improvement of infrastructure to resolve the issue on traffic through designing and planning new system inspired by planners who have the thought and goal of transforming rural areas to urbanization (Hall, P. 2002). Tiananmen Square Plans occurred in the reconstruction of Beijing. One of the accomplishment with regard to the planning is the re designing of the Chang’an Boulevard. It was punctuated by gates and memorial arches until it was expanded along with the expansion of the Tiananmen in the 50’s.Square Tiananmen is located on the centre of Beijing City. The features of this place include Tiananmen tower, monument of the People’s Heroes, great Hall of the People, Mao Zedong Memorial Hall, and where the national flag raising was held. This has an area of 440,000 square meters considered to be the original gate towards the Imperial Palace presently known to be the Forbidden City. From 1417, this has been burnt and reconstructed for a number of times. The establishment of this place was finished in 1958, more than 10,000 tons of stone was used in the 40 meter high obelisk. Having an eighty-two meter tall, this monument depicts significant events in the history of China. Tiananmen was built in 1415 during the time of the Ming Dynasty. When it was designed in 1651, this has been enlarge four times bigger at the present and considered to tb the world’s second largest square in the world. Imperial Consultative Assembly Building In 1908, in pursuing to he political reforms, Guangxu Emperor created the Consultative Assembly consisting of 98 delegates from the court and 98 who represented the regional interest. In 1907, the permanent home for the new Imperial Consultative was selected. As has been inspired by the Emperor, german Architectural firm Curt Rothkegel was commissioned of drawing the plans and when the plan was submitted in July, 1910, the construction began. The building was designed in the style of the German Renaissance structure. It is a four story building, has a central octagonal hall with the senate, upper house on the right-hand side of the main entrance, and a congress on the left. 1200 delegates could occupy for the both houses and 350 seats available for the auditors. The public and the journalist have the reservation on the second floor and installed modern communication equipments. The third floor is for the office space for the delegates and the library while on the fourth floor; there is the up-to-date dinning hall, lavatory facilities. On the Southside of the building, a democracy plaza where located where popular gatherings and discussions were held. Beside the Imperial Consultative Assembly Building, Shopping arcade and residential buildings were laid. Unfortunately, the sight was demolished during the Japanese occupation and made the pace as the military house and a Shinto Shrine. After the war, the place was maximized by replacing High Schools, residential building, Philosophy and Social sciences Department of Academia Sinica (‘Xebul) together with the Offices of the Chinese Academy of Social sciences. In effect of the rise of this establishment, the north side became an expensive luxury residential compound being called the examination Halls Mansion. The Hall of the Supreme Harmony In 1923, Albin Stark, Swedish, was commissioned in building The Hall of Supreme Harmony. The national Assembly leaders inspired in the construction of the said building as the symbolic centre of the defunct imperial power that being replaced by the republican parliamentary power. On the other hand, the two halls of the outer court located at the central axis of the Forbidden City, The Hall of Central Harmony, and the Hall of Preserving Harmony would be used as offices of the new parliament. The Hall of Supreme Harmony is a western style parliamentary office building, built on either flank of the building, has a seating capacity of 1200 delegates, dignitaries and functionaries. The building has a reception hall, banquet hall for the visiting dignitaries and an area to rest for the head of the assembly and the president. . There are 10 other great public buildings built in 1959 as a part in commemorating the Peoples republic of China’s 10th anniversary. These establishments were a part of the architecture and urbanism inspired by the Great Leap Forward. The construction of the buildings was given 10 months to be done, October 1, 1959. A Campaign in the decorations of the buildings was promoted by the art commission. Tiananmen Square was also expanded. Art campaigns were held in 1961 and 1964 to 1965. Modernism, international style, and Socialist realism of Stalinist architecture were among the style used in the buildings and were designed by the members of the Beijing Planning Bureau together with the Ministry of Construction. Industrial Development Looking at the decade from 80’s to 90’s, the height of modernization in Beijing manifested a remarkably improvement both for the urban and rural areas. An investment of 16.44 billion was invested to construction of infrastructures that resulted to the improvement of transportation, communication, and water supply. In the process of development during this period, a total space of 97.32 million square meters was acquired and built. Some of the completed projects include Asian Game Village, 33 gymnasiums in different parts of Beijing and some other establishment’s subject for renovations. Four satellites have also emerged and a big number of buildings for the use of education, cultural activities, medical care centers, science and technology, and for the use of social welfare were completed. An enthusiastic and energetic outcome in the progress of education, culture, science, and technology was manifested in Beijing. The completion of the projects and facilities in Beijing resulted to 650,000 professional personnel both in intermediate and advance levels and enjoyed achievements in science and technology. The new zone for technological and industrial development of china was placed in Beijing (Liang Yong, W. 1999). Both in the urban and rural areas, peoples livelihood have seen a remarkably improvement. Capital income among the households in the urban areas increased to 69.3~ compared to the 80’s. Nevertheless, capital income among the peasant households increased by three times compared to the last decade. In the urban area, the capital living space reached 8.0 square meters while in the rural areas reached 21.9 square meters for the peasants. A more positive picture is expected when it comes to the growth of the economy and completion of more projects by the end of the century. An estimated of four times growth is also expected in the Gross domestic Products compared to that of 1980 and will reach 9~/40. The living conditions among the residents of Beijing is expected to further improvement, the actual level of consumption will increased by 4 percent, capital living space will reach 9.5 square meters. Having all these, the means of survival will be more abundant, colorful culture will be more enjoyed, wider range of services will be served, and a higher level of modern life can be achieved not only by the residents of Beijing but as well as the whole people of China. Some of the specific goal includes readjustment in the economic structure through increasing the quantity of tertiary industry from 38% to 50% and to be able to develop the rural economy enthusiastically, the grain output target must surpass three million tons so that the total industrial output value of township reaches 41.5 billion yen and the inhabited areas output would also reach 100 billion yen. Part of the target in the modernizations are cooking gas accessible to 95% in the urban household, 1.8 million telephone sets will be placed in the 35% of the urban households. Residential quarters in the urban areas are expected to be built up in preparation to the increasing population in Beijing. Nevertheless, projects with the environmental protection will also be included in the strengthening of the industrial aspects by developing pollution free industry. Solid waste disposal in harmless way is expected to reach the 60% accomplishment by the year 2000. Environment will be protected and conserve through planting trees in the wider areas of the urban city. By the 1990 to 2000, training will be given to one million professional personnel at intermediate level and advance level as a part of the development in science, technology. Livelihood and social security of the residents will be improved and a total of 70,000 hospital beds will be provided for the sick and needy people of Beijing. Analysis in the development of Beijing Northern Coastal China including three provincial level units is the location of Greater Beijing. Having and area of 216,420 square kilometers, Beijing is approximately 2% of China’s territory with a total population of 91.6 million as of 2001. The region has also been claimed as the capital region showing strong socioeconomic linkages within the neighboring provinces through of course with the effort of the local government in the promotion of regional growth collaboration. The region pays the attention on transforming greater Beijing including Yangtze 18 small districts in the core of Beijing and among those are: Haidian, Chaoyang, Fengtai, Shijingshan, Dongchen, Xicheng, Xuanwu and Chongwen. One county spatial unit are called Districts As the Chinas most important ancient capital city, making greater Beijing brought the place as the most important political center. Even during the ruling of Mao, geopolitical position of greater Beijing gave the favor to its economic development. For instance, the transformation of Beijing from a semi-feudal, semi-colonial city to a productive socialist city was materialized after the massive state investment went to the capital after the establishment of the new republic in 1949. The neighboring provinces, Tianjin and Hebei, also benefited to the geographic proximity to Beijing and shows rapid industrialization. Tremendous build-up in the heavy industry was manifested by the end of the five-year plan in 1953. However, predicaments are inevitable and manifested on the latter part of the reform when Beijing faced structural problems fundamental to the socialist economy. The industrial activity was impeded when the product structure was dominated by heavy defense oriented industry from the former Soviet Union during the 50’s. Secondly, the there is an interconnection in the industrialization between the rural and the urban while the rural areas in Hebei is not yet develop. Third, it was found out that the linkages in the industries among the regions in greater Beijing were found to be weak that led to the imbalance of core-periphery spatial structure. Moreover, the core region was more develop rather that its rural peripheries (Richardson, H. W. and Chang-hee, C. B. 2005) Although the benefits of reform in the southern area were limited, the economic status of Greater Beijing was considered stable because of the special economic zone in Southern China and through the opening of the costal cities. The central government treated the reform with caution until later on considered to be a dogma even until success was manifested in Guandong and Fujian. Along with the reform, positive global spatial autocorrelation is strengthening because of the extension of original clusters along with the presence of the formations of new clusters. Reform delivers a positive response with regard to the influence on regional development as well as the formation of the high value clusters. Cautious implementation of the reform among the region made the Greater Beijing balance its victory in the modernization and industrialization. During the 50’s, the reconstruction of Beijing begun, implemented, and rescue available spatial data based on the old map of Beijing. Through the rapid development of technology, internet becomes accessible that made the internet-based virtual restoration. The first phase is the collection of data that includes building spatial information management system, and the second phase covers the working on the 3D restoration of some architectural heritage that includes technological procedure. In the first phase, compilation of the digital framework for the whole area of the old Beijing was secured including the detailed situation of the 50’s. In securing information topographic map at a scale of1:1000 and 2000 was used and geometric data at appropriate scale of 1:1000 which made up of wood was also used during the 50’s when the construction was begun. Among the compilation during the 50’s construction of Beijing were street maps, urban plot maps, and plan of specific monuments. The use of aerial photos plays a big help in the creation on integrated surveys before the development of the old Beijing. The use of the compiled data provides a powerful tool when it comes to recording and monitoring in the construction of the new Beijing. Sand table and photogram metric processing of the aerial photo gave the geometric information with regard to the structure of the old city that includes city walls and their evolution, information about the old buildings such as heights and volume. All the collected documents about the old Beijing will be the basis for all the plans and actions to be done towards the final goal of the project. Conclusion The planning towards industrialization must be based on the geographic aspect of certain place and reformations among the policies and its implementations must depend on the level of certain target places. Economically different geographic units could not be treated at the same level for there will be a mismatch. It would also be relevant to conclude that through the carefulness of the reform implementation, Old Beijing City strengthen the political and the industrialization as well. There are no more rural areas that can be found in the old City and the old Beijing now turns to be more political, industrial, and more urban. References  Haw, G. S. (2007). Beijing: A concise history. Routledge. New York: USA. Yue Dong, M. (2003). Republican Beijing: the cities and its histories. University of California Press. California: USA. Liang Yong, W. (1999)Rehabilitating the Old City Beijing: a project in the Ju’er Hutong. UBC Press. Vancouver: Canada. Richardson, H. W. and Chang-hee, C. B. (2005). Globalization and Urban Development. Springer-Verlag Press. Heidelberg: Germany. Mrris, A.E.J. (1994). History of Urban Form: Before the Industrial Revolutions.3rd Edition.London:Prentice Hall Hall, P. (2002). Cities of Tomorrow.3rd Edition.Oxford,UK:Blackwell Publishing. Read More