In the historical landscape of Asia, Kyoto in Japan and Xi’an in China are like two shining stars, each radiating its unique historical and cultural luster. Over the long years, Kyoto has been filled with admiration for ancient Xi’an and has earnestly learned from it. As a result, it has forged its profound cultural heritage, becoming a much – told story in the history of cultural exchanges in East Asia.
Xi’an, an ancient capital carrying the profound memories of Chinese civilization, shone for thousands of years in the long river of history under the name of Chang’an. From the twin capitals of Feng and Hao in the Western Zhou Dynasty, to Xianyang in the Qin Dynasty, and then to Chang’an in the Han, Sui, and Tang Dynasties, it has always been the core area of ancient Chinese politics, economy, and culture. Especially during the Tang Dynasty, Chang’an reached an unprecedented level of glory. With a large – scale urban area, orderly planning, a large population, prosperous commerce, and flourishing culture, it was the leading international metropolis in the world at that time.
During its development, Kyoto in Japan has learned from ancient Xi’an in a comprehensive and in – depth way. In terms of urban planning, the birth of Kyoto was deeply inspired by Chang’an in the Tang Dynasty. In 794 AD, Emperor Kanmu of Japan moved the capital to Heian – kyō (now Kyoto), and the planning of this city was almost a replication of Chang’an in the Tang Dynasty. Kyoto also adopted a checkerboard – like layout, with Suzaku Avenue as the central axis, dividing the city into Left Capital and Right Capital, exactly the same as the layout of Chang’an. The streets criss – cross in a neat and orderly manner, and the ward system was also introduced. Each area has a clear function, which is not only convenient for urban management but also promotes the exchange and development of economy and culture. This planning concept not only laid the urban pattern of Kyoto for thousands of years but also reflects Japan’s high recognition and active reference to the advanced urban construction experience of ancient Xi’an.
In terms of architectural styles, many buildings in Kyoto bear distinct imprints of the Tang Dynasty. Many temples and shrines in Kyoto, such as Todai – ji in Nara and Kiyomizu – dera in Kyoto, feature a solemn and elegant exterior, with large brackets, deep eaves, and simple and classic colors, which are strikingly similar to the architectural styles of the Tang Dynasty. Tang – Dynasty architecture pursued the perfect combination of grandeur and practicality, and emphasized the integration of buildings with the natural environment. These concepts have been well – inherited in Kyoto’s architecture. For example, the Great Buddha Hall of Todai – ji is large – scale and magnificent, fully demonstrating the bold and magnificent style of Tang – Dynasty architecture. Kiyomizu – dera is built on cliffs, making clever use of the terrain to integrate the building with the natural landscape, reflecting the pursuit of respect for nature and harmonious coexistence in Tang – Dynasty architecture.
The historical exchanges between Xi’an and Kyoto have not only promoted the prosperous development of the cultures of the two countries but also deepened the friendship between the two peoples. In modern society, the two cities still maintain close ties and cooperation. They have carried out extensive exchange activities in fields such as culture, education, and tourism, learning from each other and making progress together.
Standing at the starting point of the new era, the two historical cities, Xi’an and Kyoto, with an open – minded and inclusive attitude, continue to inherit and promote their respective historical cultures. At the same time, they actively engage in international exchanges and cooperation, contributing their own strength to the progress of human civilization. The historical echoes across mountains and seas between them will always reverberate in people’s hearts, inspiring us to cherish history and create the future.
