汉译英翻译实践案例4：
《盐城：里下河古建筑》
第一章：溯源里下河古建筑
在江苏腹地，有一片被水浸润千年的土地——里下河地区。这里不仅是地理意义上的水乡泽国，更是文化意义上的建筑宝库。里下河古建筑的形成与发展，与这里独特的自然环境、历史文化和生活方式息息相关，如同一部立体的史书，记录着人与水和谐共生的智慧篇章。本章将从地理风貌、文化脉络、建筑演变、材料工艺以及生活关联五个维度，全面探寻里下河古建筑的源起与特质，带领读者走进这个充满砖瓦情韵的水乡世界。
一、里下河地域的独特地理风貌
在江苏省的中部，有一片神奇的水乡泽国，人们称它为“里下河”。这个名字听起来颇有诗意，其实蕴含着丰富的地理含义。“里”指的是京杭大运河的里运河段，“下”则表示地势低洼的意思。这片区域大致包括盐城、扬州、泰州等地的部分区域，形成了一个独特的“锅底洼”地貌。
想象一下，你站在一片广袤的平原上，四周的地势都比你所处的位置要高，就像站在一口大锅的锅底。这就是里下河地区最显著的地理特征。由于地势低平，这里的水流缓慢，形成了密密麻麻的河网和星罗棋布的湖泊。射阳湖、大纵湖、九龙口等湖泊如同明珠般镶嵌在这片土地上，在阳光下闪烁着迷人的光芒。这些水域不仅滋养着万物，更塑造了里下河独特的生态环境。每年候鸟迁徙的季节，成千上万的鸟儿在这里栖息觅食，构成了一幅生机勃勃的自然画卷。
水是里下河的灵魂。纵横交错的河道不仅是交通要道，更是人们生活的命脉。古人为了在这片水乡生存，想出了许多聪明的办法。他们选择在高地筑屋，或者人工堆筑“垛田”——一种高出水面的土地，既可用于建房，也能种植庄稼。这些垛田就像一个个小岛，散布在碧波荡漾的水面上，形成了里下河地区特有的景观。垛田之间由狭窄的田埂相连，农民们划着小船在田间劳作，这种独特的农耕方式至今仍在一些地方保留着。
如果你有机会乘着一叶扁舟，在里下河的河网中穿行，一定会被眼前的美景所陶醉。两岸的村庄掩映在绿树丛中，青砖黛瓦的民居临水而建，石阶从门前一直延伸到水里。清晨，妇女们在河边洗衣洗菜，说说笑笑；傍晚，渔人们摇着小船归来，船头上站着几只鱼鹰；孩子们在水边嬉戏玩耍，溅起朵朵水花。这一切构成了一幅生动的水乡生活画卷。水面上还不时可以看到鸭群游过，它们排着整齐的队伍，时而潜入水中觅食，时而振翅嬉戏，为平静的水面增添了几分生机。
里下河的四季各有风情。春天，河边的垂柳抽出新芽，桃花、梨花竞相开放，空气中弥漫着花香；夏天，荷叶田田，荷花亭亭，采莲姑娘的歌声在湖面上飘荡；秋天，稻谷飘香，鱼虾肥美，处处洋溢着丰收的喜悦；冬天，虽然万物凋零，但水乡别有一番静谧的美感。这就是里下河，一个因水而生、因水而美的神奇地方。每个季节都有它独特的韵味，吸引着无数游人前来领略水乡的风采。
二、盐城水乡的历史文化脉络
盐城，这个名字就透露着它与众不同的身世。早在两千多年前的西汉时期，这里就因为盛产海盐而设立盐渎县，“渎”就是水道的意思。到了东晋时期，干脆改名为“盐城”，这个名字一直沿用至今。可以说，盐城的历史就是一部与盐息息相关的历史。盐城的诞生与发展，始终与白色的盐晶紧密相连，这片土地因盐而兴，因盐而盛。
在古代，盐是极其重要的战略物资，而盐城正是江淮地区重要的盐产地。这里的先民们“煮海为盐”，利用海水晒制食盐。串场河作为古代运送食盐的专用河道，将各个盐场串联起来，形成了一条“盐运河”。这条河道不仅运输食盐，也带来了各地的商贾和文化，使盐城成为经济繁荣、文化交融的重镇。鼎盛时期，盐城地区有上百个盐场，年产食盐数十万担，成为全国重要的食盐供应基地。盐业的繁荣带动了相关产业的发展，造船业、编织业、木材加工业等都因此而兴盛起来。
盐城地处南北交汇之处，这里的文化也呈现出独特的交融特色。你可以在盐城的方言中听到北方话的直爽，也能感受到吴语的软糯；可以品尝到北方风味的面食，也能享用江南特色的精致菜肴。这种文化的交融，造就了盐城人既朴实又细腻的独特气质。盐城人既有北方人的豪爽大气，又不失南方人的细腻周到，这种独特的性格特征在当地的民俗风情中得到了充分体现。
漫步在盐城的老街巷，仿佛能听到历史的回声。古老的寺庙、祠堂、民居，虽然历经沧桑，依然保持着往日的风韵。这些建筑既有北方四合院的规整大气，又有江南民居的精巧雅致，形成了独具一格的建筑风格。砖雕、木雕、石雕精美绝伦，讲述着一个个动人的故事。比如盐城著名的陆公祠，是为纪念南宋末年忠臣陆秀夫而建，建筑风格融合了南北特色，既庄重大气，又不失精致典雅。
盐城的民俗文化也丰富多彩。这里有独特的水乡渔歌，有悠扬的采莲曲，有热闹的龙舟赛，还有各种与盐业生产相关的传统习俗。这些非物质文化遗产，与古建筑一起，共同构成了盐城深厚的历史文化底蕴。每年端午节，盐城各地都会举行龙舟竞赛，人们划着装饰一新的龙舟，在锣鼓声中奋力向前，岸边观众呐喊助威，场面十分热闹。这些传统民俗活动不仅丰富了人们的文化生活，也传承着盐城悠久的历史文化。
如今，当你走在盐城的街头，依然能感受到这种深厚的文化积淀。现代的高楼大厦与古老的建筑相映成趣，宽阔的马路与蜿蜒的水道并行不悖，传统与现代在这里和谐共存。盐城，这座因盐而兴的城市，正在书写着新的历史篇章。在快速发展经济的同时，盐城也十分注重历史文化的保护与传承，许多古建筑得到了修缮保护，传统工艺得到了传承发扬，让这座古老的城市焕发出新的生机与活力。
三、古建筑在里下河的起源与发展
里下河的古建筑，是一部人与水共生的智慧史诗。早在远古时代，先民们就发明了“干栏式”建筑——这种将房屋架在高柱上的建筑形式，既能够防潮，又可以避免水患的侵袭。想象一下，远古的先民们用木头搭建起高脚屋，住在水面上，白天捕鱼采莲，夜晚聆听水声入眠，那是多么富有诗意的生活啊！这些早期的建筑虽然简陋，却体现了古人适应环境的智慧，为后来里下河建筑风格的形成奠定了基础。
随着时代的发展，人们的建筑技艺也在不断进步。到了唐宋时期，里下河地区的先民们开始围圩造田、筑墩建房，形成了独特的“圩”、“垛”、“墩”式聚落。这些聚落就像一座座小岛，星罗棋布地散布在水网之中。每个垛田都是一个微型的生态系统，人们在这里建房居住，种植庄稼，养殖鱼虾，过着自给自足的生活。这种建筑方式不仅解决了水乡居住的难题，还创造了一种独特的生产生活方式。垛田一般高出水面1-2米，面积从几百到几千平方米不等，四周环水，只能通过小船往来，形成了相对独立的生活空间。
明清时期是里下河古建筑的鼎盛时期。随着漕运和盐业的繁荣，这里的经济空前发展，集镇如雨后春笋般涌现。建筑技术也日臻成熟，砖瓦取代了茅草，木结构变得更加精巧。大户人家纷纷兴建宅院，祠堂、庙宇、会馆等公共建筑也大量出现。这些建筑不仅注重实用性，更追求艺术性，形成了独具特色的建筑风格。比如兴化郑板桥故居、盐城宋曹故居等，都是这一时期建筑艺术的杰出代表，它们不仅建筑精美，还蕴含着深厚的文化内涵。
里下河的古建筑有几个显著的特点：一是青砖灰瓦的色调，朴素而典雅；二是陡峭的屋顶坡度，便于快速排水；三是微微上翘的屋檐，如同飞鸟展翅，给人以轻盈灵动之感；四是精美的雕刻装饰，木雕、砖雕、石雕各具特色，花鸟鱼虫、人物故事都被刻画得栩栩如生。这些特征既体现了水乡建筑的实用性，又展现了高超的艺术水准。比如屋顶的坡度通常在30-45度之间，比北方建筑要陡峭得多，这样可以更快地排走雨水，防止漏水。屋檐的出挑也比较深远，达到1米左右，既能遮阳避雨，又形成了丰富的光影效果。
这些古建筑处处体现着古人的智慧。比如天井的设计，既能够采光通风，又能够收集雨水，寓意着“四水归堂”，象征着财源滚滚。高大的门槛和石质的柱础，能够有效防潮，保护木结构不受损坏。这些巧妙的设计，既解决了水乡建筑的技术难题，又赋予了建筑丰富的文化内涵。天井的大小和形状也很有讲究，一般正房前的天井比较宽敞，厢房前的天井相对狭小，形成了主次分明的空间序列。
今天，当我们漫步在里下河的古村落中，依然能够感受到这些古建筑的魅力。它们虽然历经风雨，却依然屹立不倒，静静地诉说着往昔的辉煌。每一座建筑都是一个故事，每一块砖瓦都承载着历史，让我们能够穿越时空，感受古人的智慧与情怀。近年来，随着人们对传统文化重视程度的提高，许多古建筑得到了修缮保护，一些传统村落被列入保护名录，让这些珍贵的建筑遗产得以延续传承。同时，也有一些古建筑被活化利用，改造成民宿、展览馆等，在保护的同时发挥了新的功能，让古老建筑焕发出新的生机。
四、砖瓦在里下河古建筑中的重要地位
在里下河的古建筑中，砖瓦不仅仅是建筑材料，更是一种艺术的载体，一种文化的象征。可以说，没有砖瓦，就没有里下河古建筑的独特魅力。砖瓦的使用，不仅解决了水乡建筑防潮防腐的技术难题，更赋予了建筑独特的美学价值和文化内涵。
走进任何一座里下河的古镇，最先映入眼帘的，一定是那一片片青灰色的瓦片和一堵堵斑驳的砖墙。这些砖瓦虽然朴素，却别有一番韵味。里下河的青砖质地特别坚硬，色泽青灰，历经数百年风雨而不褪色。它们不仅被用来砌墙，还被用来铺地、雕花，甚至成为建筑装饰的重要组成部分。青砖的烧制工艺十分讲究，要经过选土、练泥、制坯、晾干、烧制等多道工序，每道工序都需要精湛的技艺和丰富的经验。烧制好的青砖敲击时会发出清脆的金属声，说明质地密实，强度高，耐候性好。
砖雕是里下河古建筑的一大特色。当地的工匠们以砖为纸，以刀为笔，在砖块上雕刻出各种精美的图案。有象征吉祥如意的喜鹊登梅，有寓意年年有余的鲤鱼跃龙门，有代表福寿双全的蝙蝠和寿桃，还有各种花鸟虫鱼、人物故事。这些砖雕不仅美观，而且蕴含着丰富的文化内涵，反映了人们对美好生活的向往和追求。砖雕的工艺十分复杂，需要先在砖坯上画出图案，然后用各种凿子、铲子等工具一点点雕刻，最后再入窑烧制。好的砖雕作品线条流畅，层次分明，栩栩如生，具有很高的艺术价值。
小青瓦则是里下河古建筑的“帽子”。这些瓦片不大，一片片层层叠叠地覆盖在屋顶上，就像鱼的鳞片一样整齐美观。屋顶的坡度很陡，这样雨水就能很快流下来，不会渗漏到屋里。在屋檐的尽头，有瓦当和滴水，上面刻着精美的花纹，既实用又好看。下雨的时候，雨水顺着瓦片流下，形成一串串水珠，就像挂了一幅水晶帘子，特别漂亮。小青瓦的制作也很有讲究，瓦坯要用优质的黏土制成，烧制时要严格控制火候，温度过高瓦片会变形，温度过低则强度不够。烧制好的瓦片要颜色均匀，敲击声清脆，防水性能好。
砖瓦的颜色也很有讲究。青灰色的调子，与里下河的水色、天色特别相配。晴天的时候，青砖黛瓦在阳光下显得格外宁静；雨天的时候，它们又与灰蒙蒙的天空融为一体，给人一种朦胧的美感。这种色彩的选择，体现了古人对自然环境的深刻理解和巧妙运用。青灰色是一种中性色，既不张扬也不沉闷，与周围的环境和谐统一，给人一种宁静、朴素、典雅的感觉。这种色彩审美反映了中国传统文化中“天人合一”的思想，强调建筑与自然的和谐共处。
更重要的是，这些砖瓦都是有生命的。新烧制的砖瓦带着泥土的芬芳和窑火的热度；经过岁月洗礼的砖瓦，则会长出青苔，留下雨水的痕迹，记录着时光的故事。用手触摸这些砖瓦，仿佛能感受到历史的温度，听到往昔的回声。一些古老的砖瓦上还可以看到制砖工匠留下的手印、脚印，或者刻写的年代、姓名等，这些都是珍贵的历史见证。砖瓦的表面会随着时间流逝而产生变化，青砖会变得更加温润，瓦片上会生长出苔藓，这些时间的痕迹不仅没有减损建筑的美感，反而增添了几分历史的韵味。
在里下河，砖瓦不仅是建筑的组成部分，更是一种文化的传承。它们见证了水乡的兴衰变迁，承载着人们的生活记忆，凝聚着工匠的智慧心血。正是这些看似普通的砖瓦，构筑了里下河古建筑的筋骨，赋予了它们独特的魅力和永恒的生命力。今天，虽然出现了许多新型建筑材料，但传统的青砖黛瓦仍然受到人们的喜爱，在一些重要的古建筑修复工程和特色建筑项目中，人们仍然会选择使用传统工艺烧制的砖瓦，以保持建筑的历史风貌和文化特色。这种对传统材料的坚持，不仅是对历史的尊重，也是对文化的传承。
五、里下河古建筑与水乡生活的关联
建筑是生活的容器，而里下河的古建筑，更是水乡生活的灵魂所在。在这里，建筑与水密不可分，建筑与生活融为一体，共同谱写着一曲生动的水乡牧歌。古建筑不仅是人们居住的场所，更是水乡文化的载体，记录着里下河地区独特的生活方式和文化传统。
走在里下河的古镇老街上，你会发现这里的建筑布局很有特色。家家户户都是临水而建，门前有石阶直通水面，这些石阶被称为“水码头”，是居民日常生活的重要场所。清晨，妇女们在这里洗衣、洗菜，说说笑笑；白天，孩子们在这里嬉戏玩耍；傍晚，渔人们在这里停泊小船，卸下一天的收获。这些水码头就像是一个个舞台，上演着水乡人家的日常生活。水码头的设计也很讲究，一般用整块的花岗岩或青石砌成，表面打磨得比较光滑，有的还雕刻防滑纹样。台阶的宽度和高度都经过精心设计，既方便上下，又适合坐着休息。有些大户人家的水码头还建有凉亭或廊棚，既可以遮阳避雨，又是休闲观景的好去处。
街道沿着河流蜿蜒伸展，弯弯曲曲，就像随风飘动的丝带。街道两旁是古老的民居，青砖砌墙，黛瓦盖顶，木制的门窗上雕刻着精美的图案。这些建筑虽然历经岁月沧桑，却依然保持着当年的风韵，散发着浓厚的生活气息。街道的宽度一般较窄，大约2-3米，这样既可以节省用地，又能形成遮阳的效果。街道地面多用青砖或石板铺砌，中间略高，两边稍低，便于排水。街道两侧有时还设有排水明沟，将雨水引入河中，保持街道干燥清洁。
连接街道与河流的是一座座石桥。这些石桥不仅是通行的道路，更是人们社交、休息、做买卖的场所。桥头上常常有老人坐着聊天，有商贩摆摊卖货，有孩子追逐嬉戏。特别是在夏天的傍晚，人们喜欢坐在桥栏杆上乘凉，摇着蒲扇，说着家常，享受着河面吹来的凉风。这些石桥造型各异，有单孔的石拱桥，有多孔的石梁桥，还有廊桥、亭桥等。桥栏板上往往雕刻着精美的图案，如莲花、鲤鱼、云纹等，既美观又富有吉祥寓意。有些古桥上还可以看到历代文人墨客题写的诗词楹联，为石桥增添了文化内涵。
建筑内部的布局也充分考虑了水乡的生活需要。天井是家庭的中心，既能采光通风，又能收集雨水，寓意着“财源滚滚”。厅堂宽敞明亮，是家人聚会、接待客人的主要场所。阁楼用来存放粮食和杂物，因为位置高，可以防潮防湿。这些设计既实用又巧妙，体现了古人对水乡生活的深刻理解。天井的地面一般用青砖铺砌，四周设有排水沟，将雨水引入地下蓄水池或直接排入河中。厅堂的地面会铺上木地板，下面留有通风层，防止潮气上升。阁楼的窗户开得较大，既便于通风，又可以利用自然光检查储存物品的状况。
在里下河的古镇住上一晚，你会感受到这里独特的生活节奏。清晨，你会被河上的桨声唤醒，那是早出的渔人开始了一天的劳作；白天，你可以乘一叶小舟，在弯弯曲曲的河道中穿行，欣赏两岸的风景；傍晚，坐在门前的石阶上，看着夕阳西下，灯火次第亮起，倒映在平静的水面上，就像天上的星星落入了人间。这种慢节奏的生活让人放松身心，感受到与自然和谐相处的宁静与美好。夜晚的古镇别有一番风情，月光洒在青石板路上，河面上倒映着点点灯火，偶尔传来几声犬吠或蛙鸣，更显夜的宁静。
里下河的古建筑不仅仅是砖瓦木材的堆砌，更是水乡人民生活的一部分。它们见证了新生命的诞生，见证了年轻人的婚礼，见证了老人们的离世，见证了一代又一代人的悲欢离合。这些建筑因为有了人的活动而充满生机，人们也因为生活在这些建筑中而感受到历史的延续和文化的传承。在一些古老的民居中，还可以看到历代居住者留下的生活痕迹，如门框上刻着的身高记录，墙壁上贴着的年画剪纸，梁柱上悬挂的丰收作物等，这些都是活生生的历史见证。
今天，虽然生活方式发生了很大变化，但里下河的古建筑依然保持着它们的魅力。它们就像一位位智慧的老人，静静地守护着这片土地，向后人诉说着水乡的故事，传承着水乡的文化。这就是里下河的古建筑，它们因水而生，因人而活，因时光而永恒。随着旅游业的发展，越来越多的人来到里下河地区，体验水乡生活，感受古建筑魅力。一些古建筑被改造成民宿、茶馆、展览馆等，在保持历史风貌的同时，赋予了新的功能，让古老建筑焕发出新的生机。这种保护与利用相结合的方式，既保护了历史遗产，又促进了当地经济发展，实现了文化传承与乡村振兴的双赢。
Chapter 1: Tracing the Origins of Ancient Architecture in the Liaxiahe
In the heartland of Jiangsu lies a land steeped in water for millennia—the Liaxiahe region. This area is not only a geographical water country but also a treasure trove of architecture in the cultural sense. The formation and development of the ancient architecture in the Liaxiahe region are intimately connected to its unique natural environment, historical culture, and way of life. Like a three-dimensional history book, they record the wise chronicles of harmonious coexistence between humans and water. This chapter will comprehensively explore the origins and characteristics of the ancient architecture in the Liaxiahe from five dimensions: geographical features, cultural context, architectural evolution, materials and techniques, and connection to daily life, guiding readers into this watery world filled with the charm of bricks and tiles.
1. The Unique Geographical Features of the Liaxiahe Region
In central Jiangsu Province, there lies a magical land of water and marshes known as the “Liaxiahe.” This name sounds quite poetic and actually contains rich geographical meaning. “Li” refers to the Inner Canal section of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, and “Xia” means low-lying land. This area generally includes parts of Yancheng, Yangzhou, Taizhou, and other areas, forming a unique “pan-bottom depression” landform.
Imagine standing on a vast plain where the surrounding terrain is higher than your position, just like standing at the bottom of a large wok. This is the most prominent geographical feature of the Liaxiahe region. Due to the low, flat terrain, the water flow here is slow, forming a dense network of rivers and scattered lakes. Lakes like Sheyang Lake, Dazong Lake, and Jiulongkou are embedded in this land like pearls, shimmering with enchanting light under the sun. These water bodies not only nourish all things but also shape the unique ecological environment of the Liaxiahe. During the bird migration season each year, thousands of birds rest and forage here, creating a vibrant natural picture.
Water is the soul of the Liaxiahe. The crisscrossing rivers are not only important transportation routes but also the lifelines of people’s lives. To survive in this water country, the ancients devised many clever methods. They chose to build houses on high ground or manually piled up “raised fields”—land elevated above the water surface, which could be used for both building houses and growing crops. These raised fields are like small islands scattered across the shimmering water, forming a landscape unique to the Liaxiahe region. The raised fields are connected by narrow ridges, and farmers row small boats to work in the fields, a unique farming method still preserved in some places today.
If you have the chance to ride a small boat through the river network of the Liaxiahe, you will surely be enchanted by the beautiful scenery. Villages on both banks are nestled among green trees, with blue-brick and black-tile houses built facing the water. Stone steps extend from the doorways right into the water. In the morning, women wash clothes and vegetables by the river, chatting and laughing; in the evening, fishermen return rowing their boats, with cormorants standing on the prows; children play by the water, splashing water drops. All this forms a vivid picture of water country life. On the water, you can also occasionally see flocks of ducks swimming past, moving in neat lines, sometimes diving for food, sometimes flapping their wings in play, adding vitality to the calm water surface.
The Liaxiahe has its own charm in each season. In spring, the weeping willows by the river sprout new buds, peach and pear blossoms compete to bloom, and the air is filled with the fragrance of flowers; in summer, lotus leaves spread out generously, lotus flowers stand gracefully, and the songs of lotus-gathering girls drift across the lake; in autumn, the rice is fragrant, fish and shrimp are plump, and the joy of harvest is everywhere; in winter, although everything withers, the water country has a unique, tranquil beauty. This is the Liaxiahe, a magical place born of water and beautified by water. Each season has its unique charm, attracting countless visitors to experience the elegance of the water country.
2. The Historical and Cultural Context of Yancheng’s Water Country
Yancheng—the name itself reveals its unusual origins. As early as the Western Han Dynasty over 2,000 years ago, this area was established as Yandu County due to its abundant sea salt production; “Du” means waterway. By the Eastern Jin Dynasty, it was renamed “Yancheng”(Salt City), a name that has been used ever since. It can be said that the history of Yancheng is a history closely related to salt. The birth and development of Yancheng have always been closely linked to white salt crystals; this land prospered and flourished because of salt.
In ancient times, salt was an extremely important strategic resource, and Yancheng was an important salt production area in the Jianghuai region. The ancestors here “boiled the sea to make salt,” using seawater to produce salt through solar evaporation. The Chuanchang River, a dedicated waterway for transporting salt in ancient times, connected the various salt fields, forming a “salt canal.” This river not only transported salt but also brought merchants and cultures from various places, making Yancheng an economically prosperous and culturally blended important town. At its peak, the Yancheng area had hundreds of salt fields, producing hundreds of thousands of dan of salt annually, becoming a key national salt supply base. The prosperity of the salt industry spurred the development of related industries, such as shipbuilding, weaving, and wood processing, which flourished as a result.
Yancheng is located at the intersection of north and south, and its culture also exhibits unique characteristics of blending. In the Yancheng dialect, you can hear the straightforwardness of Northern Mandarin and also feel the softness of Wu Chinese; you can taste northern-style wheat foods and also enjoy the refined dishes characteristic of the Jiangnan region. This cultural blending has created the unique temperament of Yancheng people—both simple and delicate. Yancheng people possess the boldness and generosity of northerners, yet retain the meticulousness and thoughtfulness of southerners. This unique character is fully reflected in the local folk customs.
Strolling through the old streets and alleys of Yancheng is like hearing the echoes of history. Ancient temples, ancestral halls, and dwellings, though weathered by time, still maintain their former charm. These buildings have both the regularity and grandeur of northern courtyard houses and the exquisite elegance of Jiangnan residences, forming a unique architectural style. Brick, wood, and stone carvings are exquisitely crafted, telling moving stories. For example, Yancheng’s famous Lu Gong Shrine, built in memory of the loyal official Lu Xiufu of the late Southern Song Dynasty, combines northern and southern characteristics in its architectural style, being both solemn and grand, yet refined and elegant.
Yancheng’s folk culture is also rich and diverse. There are unique water country fishing songs, melodious lotus-gathering tunes, lively dragon boat races, and various traditional customs related to salt production. These intangible cultural heritages, together with the ancient architecture, constitute Yancheng’s profound historical and cultural richness. Every Dragon Boat Festival, dragon boat competitions are held throughout Yancheng. People row decorated dragon boats, striving forward to the sound of drums and gongs, while spectators on the shore cheer and shout, creating a very lively scene. These traditional folk activities not only enrich people’s cultural lives but also pass down Yancheng's long history and culture.
Today, walking through the streets of Yancheng, you can still feel this deep cultural accumulation. Modern high-rises contrast interestingly with ancient buildings, wide roads run parallel to winding waterways, and tradition and modernity coexist here in harmony. Yancheng, this city that prospered because of salt, is writing new historical chapters. While rapidly developing its economy, Yancheng also places great importance on the protection and inheritance of its history and culture. Many ancient buildings have been restored and protected, traditional crafts have been inherited and promoted, allowing this ancient city to radiate new vitality and energy.
3. The Origin and Development of Ancient Architecture in the Liaxiahe
The ancient architecture of the Liaxiahe is a wise epic of human coexistence with water. As early as ancient times, the ancestors invented “stilted” buildings—a form of architecture that elevates houses on high pillars, which could both prevent dampness and avoid flood damage. Imagine the ancient ancestors building stilt houses with wood, living on the water, fishing and gathering lotus during the day, listening to the sound of water as they fell asleep at night—what a poetic life! Although these early buildings were simple, they embodied the wisdom of the ancients in adapting to their environment, laying the foundation for the formation of the later architectural style of the Liaxiahe.
With the development of the times, people’s architectural skills also continuously advanced. By the Tang and Song Dynasties, the ancestors in the Liaxiahe region began reclaiming land by building polder dikes, constructing mounds, and building houses, forming unique “polder,” “raised field,” and “mound” settlements. These settlements were like small islands, scattered throughout the water network. Each raised field was a miniature ecosystem where people built houses to live, grew crops, and raised fish and shrimp, living a self-sufficient life. This building method not only solved the problem of living in the water country but also created a unique way of life and production. The raised fields were generally 1-2 meters above the water surface, ranging in area from a few hundred to a few thousand square meters, surrounded by water, accessible only by small boats, forming relatively independent living spaces.
The Ming and Qing Dynasties were the heyday of ancient architecture in the Liaxiahe. With the prosperity of water transport and the salt industry, the economy here developed unprecedentedly, and market towns sprang up like bamboo shoots after rain. Architectural techniques also became increasingly mature, with bricks and tiles replacing thatch, and wooden structures becoming more refined. Wealthy families built houses one after another, and public buildings such as ancestral halls, temples, and guildhalls also appeared in large numbers. These buildings not only focused on practicality but also pursued artistry, forming a unique architectural style. For example, the former residences of Zheng Banqiao in Xinghua and Song Cao in Yancheng are outstanding representatives of the architectural art of this period. They are not only exquisitely built but also contain profound cultural connotations.
The ancient architecture of the Liaxiahe has several notable characteristics. Firstly, the color scheme of blue bricks and grey tiles, simple yet elegant. Secondly, the steep roof pitch, facilitating rapid drainage.Thirdly, the slightly upturned eaves, like a bird spreading its wings, giving a sense of lightness and agility. Fourthly, the exquisite carved decorations, with wood, brick, and stone carvings each having their own characteristics, depicting flowers, birds, fish, insects, and human stories vividly. These features reflect both the practicality of water country architecture and the high artistic level. For example, the roof pitch is usually between 30-45 degrees, much steeper than northern buildings, allowing rainwater to drain away faster and preventing leaks. The eaves also project quite far, about 1 meter, providing shade and shelter from rain while creating rich light and shadow effects.
These ancient buildings everywhere embody the wisdom of the ancients. For example, the design of the courtyard not only allows for light and ventilation but also collects rainwater, implying “four waters returning to the hall,” symbolizing rolling wealth. High thresholds and stone column bases effectively prevent dampness and protect the wooden structure from damage. These clever designs both solved the technical challenges of water country architecture and endowed the buildings with rich cultural connotations. The size and shape of the courtyard were also carefully considered; generally, the courtyard in front of the main hall is relatively spacious, while those in front of the side rooms are relatively narrow, forming a clear spatial sequence of primary and secondary.
Today, when we stroll through the ancient villages of the Liaxiahe, we can still feel the charm of these ancient buildings. Though they have weathered storms, they still stand firm, quietly telling of past glory. Each building is a story, each brick and tile carries history, allowing us to travel through time and space to feel the wisdom and sentiment of the ancients. In recent years, with increasing emphasis on traditional culture, many ancient buildings have been restored and protected, and some traditional villages have been listed as protected sites, allowing these precious architectural heritage to be passed on. At the same time, some ancient buildings have been revitalized and repurposed into homestays, exhibition halls, etc., giving them new functions while preserving them, allowing the ancient buildings to radiate new vitality.
4. The Importance of Bricks and Tiles in the Ancient Architecture of the Liaxiahe
In the ancient architecture of the Liaxiahe, bricks and tiles are not just building materials; they are also carriers of art and symbols of culture. It can be said that without bricks and tiles, there would be no unique charm of the ancient architecture of the Liaxiahe. The use of bricks and tiles not only solved the technical problems of moisture-proofing and anti-corrosion for water country architecture but also endowed the buildings with unique aesthetic value and cultural connotations.
Entering any ancient town in the Liaxiahe, the first thing that catches your eye is the patches of blue-grey tiles and the mottled brick walls. Although these bricks and tiles are simple, they have a unique charm. The blue bricks of the Liaxiahe are particularly hard in texture, blue-grey in color, and do not fade even after centuries of wind and rain. They are used not only for building walls but also for paving floors, carving patterns, and even becoming an important part of architectural decoration. The firing process of blue bricks is very particular, requiring multiple steps such as soil selection, clay preparation, billet making, drying, and firing. Each step requires exquisite skill and rich experience. Well-fired blue bricks produce a clear metallic sound when struck, indicating dense texture, high strength, and good weather resistance.
Brick carving is a major feature of the ancient architecture of the Liaxiahe. Local craftsmen use bricks as paper and knives as brushes, carving various exquisite patterns on the bricks. There are magpies on plum blossoms symbolizing joy and good fortune, carp leaping over the dragon gate, surplus every year, bats and peaches representing blessings and longevity, and various flowers, birds, insects, fish, and human stories. These brick carvings are not only beautiful but also contain rich cultural connotations, reflecting people’s yearning and pursuit of a better life. The process of brick carving is very complex. It requires first drawing the pattern on the brick blank, then carving it bit by bit with various chisels, shovels, and other tools, and finally firing it in the kiln. Good brick carvings have smooth lines, clear layers, and are lifelike, possessing high artistic value.
Small blue tiles are the “hats” of the ancient architecture of the Liaxiahe. These tiles are small, layered one upon another covering the roof, as neat and beautiful as fish scales. The roof pitch is very steep, so rainwater can flow down quickly without leaking into the house. At the ends of the eaves, there are tile-ends and drip tiles with exquisite patterns carved on them, both practical and good-looking. When it rains, water flows down the tiles, forming strings of water droplets, like hanging a crystal curtain, particularly beautiful. The production of small blue tiles is also very particular. The tile blanks must be made of high-quality clay, and the firing temperature must be strictly controlled; too high and the tiles deform, too low and the strength is insufficient. Well-fired tiles should have uniform color, produce a crisp sound when struck, and have good waterproof performance.
The color of the bricks and tiles is also very deliberate. The blue-grey tone matches the water and sky colors of the Liaxiahe particularly well. On sunny days, the blue bricks and black tiles appear especially serene in the sunlight; on rainy days, they blend with the grey, overcast sky, giving a hazy beauty. This choice of color reflects the ancients’ deep understanding and skillful use of the natural environment. Blue-grey is a neutral color, neither flashy nor dull, harmonizing with the surrounding environment, giving a feeling of tranquility, simplicity, and elegance. This color aesthetic reflects the thought of “harmony between man and nature” in traditional Chinese culture, emphasizing the harmonious coexistence of architecture and nature.
More importantly, these bricks and tiles are alive. Newly fired bricks and tiles carry the fragrance of earth and the heat of the kiln; bricks and tiles weathered by time grow moss, retain traces of rainwater, and record the stories of time. Touching these bricks and tiles with your hand, it feels as if you can feel the temperature of history and hear the echoes of the past. On some ancient bricks and tiles, you can still see the handprints or footprints of the brick-making craftsmen, or inscribed dates and names, these are precious historical witnesses. The surface of bricks and tiles changes with the passage of time; blue bricks become more mellow, moss grows on the tiles. These traces of time do not detract from the beauty of the architecture but add a touch of historical charm.
In the Liaxiahe, bricks and tiles are not only components of architecture but also a inheritance of culture. They have witnessed the rise and fall of the water country, carried people’s life memories, and condensed the wisdom and effort of craftsmen. It is these seemingly ordinary bricks and tiles that form the skeleton of the ancient architecture of the Liaxiahe, giving them unique charm and eternal vitality. Today, although many new building materials have emerged, traditional blue bricks and black tiles are still beloved by people. In some important ancient building restoration projects and characteristic building projects, people still choose bricks and tiles fired by traditional techniques to maintain the historical style and cultural characteristics of the buildings. This adherence to traditional materials is not only a respect for history but also an inheritance of culture.
5. The Connection Between Ancient Architecture and Water Country Life in the Liaxiahe
Architecture is the container of life, and the ancient architecture of the Liaxiahe is the very soul of water country life. Here, architecture and water are inseparable, architecture and life merge into one. Ancient buildings are not only places for people to live but also carriers of water country culture, recording the unique lifestyle and cultural traditions of the Liaxiahe region.
Walking along the old streets of the ancient towns in the Liaxiahe, you will find the architectural layout here very distinctive. Every household is built facing the water, with stone steps leading directly from the front door to the water surface. These stone steps are called “water docks” and are important venues for residents’ daily lives. In the early morning, women wash clothes and vegetables here, chatting and laughing; during the day, children play here; in the evening, fishermen moor their boats here, unloading the day's harvest. These water docks are like stages, performing the daily life of water country families. The design of the water docks is also very thoughtful, generally built with whole pieces of granite or bluestone, the surface polished relatively smooth, some even carved with anti-slip patterns. The width and height of the steps are carefully designed, making them easy to go up and down and suitable for sitting and resting. Some water docks of wealthy families also have pavilions or covered corridors, providing shade and shelter from rain, and are good places for leisure and viewing.
The streets wind and stretch along the river, curved and twisting, like ribbons floating in the wind. On both sides of the street are ancient dwellings, with blue brick walls, black tile roofs, and wooden doors and windows carved with exquisite patterns. Although these buildings have experienced the vicissitudes of time, they still maintain their former charm, exuding a strong atmosphere of life. The streets are generally narrow, about 2-3 meters wide, which saves land and creates a shading effect. The street surface is mostly paved with blue bricks or stone slabs, slightly higher in the middle and lower on both sides, facilitating drainage. Open drainage ditches are sometimes set on both sides of the street to channel rainwater into the river, keeping the streets dry and clean.
Connecting the streets and the river are stone bridges. These stone bridges are not only passages but also places for socializing, resting, and doing business. On the bridge heads, old people often sit chatting, vendors set up stalls selling goods, and children chase and play. Especially on summer evenings, people like to sit on the bridge railings to cool off, waving palm-leaf fans, talking about daily life, enjoying the cool breeze blowing from the river. These stone bridges have various shapes, including single-arch stone bridges, multi-arch stone beam bridges, as well as covered bridges and pavilion bridges. The bridge parapets are often carved with exquisite patterns, such as lotuses, carp, cloud patterns, etc., both beautiful and full of auspicious meanings. On some ancient bridges, you can also see poems and couplets written by literati of past dynasties, adding cultural connotation to the stone bridges.
The internal layout of the buildings also fully considers the needs of water country life. The courtyard is the center of the family. This design offers natural light and airflow while harvesting rainwater, representing the auspicious meaning of “ever-flowing riches.” The main hall is spacious and bright, serving as the main place for family gatherings and receiving guests. The attic is used to store grain and miscellaneous items, and because of its high position, it can prevent moisture and dampness. These designs are both practical and clever, reflecting the ancients' deep understanding of water country life. The courtyard floor is generally paved with blue bricks, with drainage ditches around it to channel rainwater into an underground reservoir or directly into the river. The floor of the main hall is paved with wooden floorboards, with a ventilation layer underneath to prevent moisture from rising. The attic windows are relatively large, facilitating ventilation and allowing the use of natural light to inspect stored items.
Staying overnight in an ancient town of the Liaxiahe, you will experience the unique pace of life here. In the early morning, you are awakened by the sound of oars on the river, as early-rising fishermen begin their day’s work; during the day, you can ride a small boat, winding through the curved rivers, admiring the scenery on both banks; in the evening, sitting on the stone steps in front of the door, watching the sunset, lights one after another, reflected on the calm water surface, like stars falling into the human world. This slow-paced life relaxes the body and mind, allowing one to feel the tranquility and beauty of harmonious coexistence with nature. The ancient town at night has a unique charm; moonlight sprinkled on the bluestone roads, lights reflected on the river surface, occasionally a few barks or croaks are heard, making the night even more peaceful.
The ancient architecture of the Liaxiahe is not just piles of bricks, tiles, and wood; it is part of the lives of the water country people. They have witnessed the birth of new lives, the weddings of young people, the passing of the elderly, and the joys and sorrows of generations. These buildings are full of vitality because of human activity, and people also feel the continuity of history and the inheritance of culture because they live in these buildings. In some ancient dwellings, you can still see traces of life left by residents over the generations, such as height records carved on door frames, New Year pictures and paper-cuts pasted on walls, harvest crops hanging from beams and columns—these are all living historical witnesses.
Today, although lifestyles have changed greatly, the ancient architecture of the Liaxiahe still maintains its charm. They are like wise old people, quietly guarding this land, telling the stories of the water country to future generations, and passing on the culture of the water country. This is the ancient architecture of the Liaxiahe: born of water, alive because of people, and eternal because of time. With the development of tourism, more and more people come to the Liaxiahe region to experience water country life and feel the charm of ancient architecture. Some ancient buildings have been converted into homestays, tea houses, exhibition halls, etc., giving them new functions while maintaining their historical style, allowing the ancient buildings to radiate new vitality. This combination of protection and utilization not only preserves the historical heritage but also promotes local economic development, achieving a win-win situation for cultural inheritance and rural revitalization.
