Final answer:
Chinese capital cities, palaces, and temples are planned based on aesthetic and political principles. The exteriors are decorated with elements like bright paint and gold, while the layout reflects symbolic meanings and ideals.
Step-by-step explanation:
Aesthetic and Political Principles in Chinese Capital Cities, Palaces, and Temples
The planning of Chinese capital cities, palaces, and temples is governed by both aesthetic and political principles. From the exteriors to the layout, these structures are designed to convey specific values and ideals.
Aesthetic Principles:
The exteriors of public structures are decorated with bright paint, gold, leaf, and enameling to enhance their visual appeal.
Elements like colored stones and terra cotta panels serve as both decoration and structural support.
Political Principles:
Some Chinese capital cities, such as Xianyang, were designed as microcosms, reflecting the universe. For example, the palace in Xianyang was shaped like the Big Dipper.
Replicas of former aristocratic palaces were built in the Qin capital city, symbolizing all places on earth.
The choice of a good site for a new capital involved divination, consultation with astronomers and astrologers, and public participation.