Pilgrimaging mountains and rivers: the spatial layout of ancient Chinese settlements and their environments

Abstract Ancient Chinese civilization was deeply rooted in a profound understanding of the environment. This understanding formed the primitive worship and unique culture of mountains and rivers, which found expression in both official and folk contexts. This essay delves into the significant influence of mountains and rivers on the site selection, positioning, and composition of ancient Chinese settlements. Through an in-depth analysis of cases, this study demonstrates that iconic mountain and river elements served as the foundation for determining the spatial locations of ancient Chinese settlements and the core references for designed landscapes. The settlement and surrounding mountains and rivers form a well-conceived integrated spatial composition, which threads the whole planning and construction process. As the determining factors for the spatial axes and forms of settlements, mountains and rivers also became the central objects of the feng shui theory. Therefore, the human geography of ancient China is not only a reflection of functions but also the result of the builders’ diligent pursuit of spatial and cultural layouts. The study of the cultural genes allows for a deeper understanding of the cultural landscape of ancient China, leading to a commitment to protecting traditional settlements and their intact environmental systems.