Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
Fig. 1.9
Tian An Men Square before redevelopment
which serve to praise the people as the motive force in history-making, the square has
become the heart of the political life of China's various nationalities, whence were
spread abroad the aspirations of the Chinese people.
During the reconstruction of the square, its two wings, the East and West Chang
An Streets, were extended accordingly. Thus, the great smooth boulevard now
forms a new thoroughfare threading the whole city from east to west. By contrast,
it has defi nitely belittled the traditional thoroughfare which runs across the old city
from south to north. This is as good as thoroughly negating the theme in the design
of the old city, thus giving prominence to the unique position of the people's square
in the plane layout of the whole city. The Forbidden City, which perched impos-
ingly in the centre of the city during the old days, is now but a “backyard” of the
