СВІТОВА СПАДЩИНА В КИТАЇ: КУЛЬТУРНА ІНТЕРПРЕТАЦІЯ ЗАХІДНОГО ОЗЕРА ХАНЧЖОУ

Abstract

The article studies the features of traditional Chinese culture on the organization of living space in harmony with nature. The history of the transformation of a natural object (a lake in Hangzhou) into a cultural location with a rich aesthetic and symbolic content is covered. West Lake is analyzed as an artistic tool for visual integration of the urban environment in the parameters of “culture-nature”. It is noted that the West Lake symbolizes in Chinese culture the ideal form of existence. The landscape concept is the methodological basis for the cultural interpretation of a World Heritage site such as the “combined work of humans and nature”. The proposed cultural interpretation of the West Lake is based on a wide range of knowledge from humanistic geography to historical cultural studies. The historical and cultural transformation is presented in the following perspective: the landscape, changed by human activity, has become not only an element of material culture, but also intangible (spiritual). West Lake appears as a unique “territory of life”, where the philosophical and religious culture of Daoism, Buddhism is developing. It is also noted that this location is one of the most interesting examples of acculturation in world history. The Indian religion has been adapted to the indigenous cultural environment and has become an integral part of Chinese life. The phenomenon of the West Lake is highlighted through its influence on the formation of the cultural tradition of creating landscapes according to the Buddhist ideals of inseparability of people and nature. The special role of two historical figures in the creation of the aesthetics of the landscape of the West Lake (Bai Juyi and Su Shi) is noted. The cultural contexts of the West Lake landscape interpreted according to UNESCO criteria for the universal value of the site. The cultural value of the West Lake as a World Heritage Site is articulated according to three criteria. The first criterion demonstrates the exchange of significant values in terms of landscape design; the second criterion characterizes the heritage site as a carrier of unique evidence of cultural tradition. The third criterion assesses the connection of the object with works of art and literature that have universal significance. The outstanding universal value of Hangzhou West Lake is seen in the demonstration of the ideals of Chinese landscape aesthetics and it also emphasizes the influence of Chinese culture on the design of gardens outside of China, throughout Central Asia. At the same time, modern Hangzhou violates the landscape harmony with the lake. In view of this, the problem of preserving this World Heritage Site is relevant in the context of the need to make decisions to prevent the “rupture” of the line of the unique horizon of the West Lake.