Bi Yuan And Conservation Of Heritage Sites In Shaanxi Province,China

This paper comprehensively and systematically discusses the achievements of Bi Yuan(??)(1730-1797A.D.),a scholar official during the reign of Qianlong Emperor of the Qing Dynasty(1644-1911A.D.)made in conservation of heritage sites.Based on the activities carried out by Bi Yuan in Shaanxi Province in conservation of heritage sites,this paper discusses the concept,system and methods in this regard in the Qing Dynasty,sums up the main characteristics of the efforts made by Bi Yuan,makes a comparison of the conservation efforts in the Qing Dynasty represented by him with the same in Europe and in the Republic of China,and discusses the practical enlightenment his endeavors and the historical site conservation in the Qing Dynasty.With the help of engineering classics,royal palace archives,inscriptions on metal and stone,letters,newspapers,magazines,albums,surveying and mapping drawings,archaeological excavation results and other materials,through literature research,on-the-spot investigation,quantitative analysis,qualitative analysis,summary,case study,comparative study,cross research and other methods,this paper makes a comprehensive study on the conservation of heritage sites by Bi Yuan and in the Qing Dynasty from different perspectives,makes an analysis and investigation,and draws a five-point conclusion,with the research results significantly improved in breadth,depth and credibility than previous works.This paper first analyzes the concept of conservation of heritage site,the atmosphere of the times and the relevant classics,and makes a general discussion on the investigation,research and conservation practice of a certain historical site,introduces the general situation of more than 270 historical sites visited by Bi Yuan,reviews the representative works of "Atlas of Heritage Sites in the Central Shaanxi Plain","Record of Metal and Stone Inscriptions in the Central Shaanxi Plain" and his local chronicles,and sorts out that 215 heritage sites under conservation during his official terms of 25 years.Based on the heritage sites under his protection,this paper studies three types of the sites,namely,mausoleum,altar temple and city wall,that are placed under relevant conservation systems,and three other types without relevant conservation system.Firstly,in the aspect of mausoleum protection,this paper introduces the concept and system of the Qing Dynasty mausoleum conservation,analyzes the relevant background,events,protective measures and historical significance of the conservation of 187 tombs in Shaanxi Province,and discusses the conservation of the Zhaoling Mausoleum of the Tang Dynasty that lasts 9 years with 6 measures taken and the historical significance thereof;secondly,in terms of the conservation of altar temples,the paper introduces the philosophy and system of the protection of altar temple in the Qing Dynasty,discusses his role in the whole renovation project of the Xiyue Temple in Huayin,covering renovation concept,specific measures,project funds,achievement drawing and other issues;thirdly,in the aspect of city wall conservation,the paper introduces the philosophy and system in the Qing Dynasty,analyzes the national trend of city wall repair during the reign of Qianlong Emperor in the Qing Dynasty and the overall situation of city wall repair in Shaanxi at that time,discusses his role in the whole project of the renovation of Xi'an city wall,covering renovation concept,main methods,specific measures and historical significance;fourthly,the Xi'an Stele Forest,the Chongsheng Temple and the Baqiao Bridge are selected as representative cases of other types of heritage sites,and are placed under discussion from the perspectives of subject matter,measures,characteristics,historical significance and thoughts.This paper sums up five characteristics of the heritage site conservation endeavors made by Bi Yuan:attaching importance to exploring values of heritage sites,especially the social value and cultural value;carrying out the cultural transmission and renovation of the historic site with the philosophy of "educating the public";emphasizing continuity of heritage sites and conservation thereof;his operation mode is to carry out the conservation under the system framework with civilian officials playing the leading role;and his long-term goal is to build an "ideal world".In addition,this paper analyzes the contemporary philosophy reflected in conservation of different types of heritage sites and the behavioral logic behind the methods adopted.By comparing with peers in previous dynasties,the author argues that Bi Yuan is a prominent representative in conservation of heritage sites in the Qing Dynasty,and is also the practitioner who provides conservation to the largest number of local heritage sites in China from the Zhou Dynasty(1046-256B.C.)to the Qing Dynasty(1644-1911A.D.),he has made important contributions in both the thought and practice of conservation of heritage sites.Next,this paper expounds the conservation of heritage sites in the Qing Dynasty in terms of ideology,system,institutions and scholars,trying to re-examine and objectively evaluate its historical significance,and compare it with the same in Europe in the 17th-19th centuries and in the Republic of China,and explores the experience and lessons in the process of integration of foreign theory and local system.According to the research,the Qing Dynasty's system of conservation of heritage sites is quite unique as it features self-consistency and complexity,and also has historical limitations.Since the 19th century,the system has been surpassed by the gradually formed western system of conservation of heritage,but it still has profound effects on the development of the Republic of China's system of conservation of antiquities.Finally,through the analysis of the long-term expectations and stage problems of cultural heritage conservation,this paper holds that the heritage site conservation and the related practice of Bi Yuan in the Qing Dynasty can not only provide historical materials and implementation experience for theoretical research and practical activities of cultural heritage conservation,but also explore creative transformation ideas with these ancient heritage protection wisdom,as well as provide more enlightenment for today in the evaluation of cultural heritage value,cognition of"authenticity" about cultural heritage,cultural heritage value evaluation,reconstruction of cultural heritage,construction of cultural belief,value communication and social participation,preventive protection and holistic protection,"work for relief",heritage conservation and national stability and so on.