We are often attracted to historic buildings that represent the glory and culture of the past. But do we really know what they really looked like and what their historical background really is?Let's take a look at some examples and see if they are really what we think.
The Yellow Crane Tower is one of the most famous buildings in China and a source of inspiration for poets. It is said that it was built in 223 AD and is more than 1,800 years old. However, if you look closely at its structure and materials, you will see that it is actually built of cement and steel bar, which is very different from the ancient architectural style. In fact, the Yellow Crane Tower has undergone several destructions and reconstructions, most recently in 1985. Locals are no strangers to this, and they know that the building is just a replica and not a real historical site.
Tiananmen Tower is a symbol of China and the birthplace of the People's Republic of China. It was built in 1417 and was the main gate of the imperial city of the Ming and Qing dynasties. But, you know what?It actually underwent a major makeover, in 1969. Although the original bricks and timbers were still used in the renovation, the dimensions and proportions of the building have changed to suit the aesthetic views of modern people. Therefore, the Tiananmen Tower we see now is not what it was originally.
The Hall of Prayer is the main building of the Temple of Heaven, and it is also the place where the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties sacrificed to heaven and earth. It was built in 1420 and is a masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture. But, you know what?It is not actually the original prayer hall, but a newly built replica. Because in 1889, the original prayer hall was destroyed by a fire caused by a lightning strike. Later, the Qing Dynasty spent two years to rebuild an identical prayer hall. Therefore, the prayer hall we see now is actually less than 100 years old.
Nanchan Temple is the oldest surviving temple in China and an architectural representative of the Tang Dynasty. It was built in 557 and has a history of more than 1,400 years. It is the only temple that has not undergone any reconstruction or remodeling, and has completely preserved the architectural style and features of the Tang Dynasty. It is what Lin Huiyin called "the temple that has really remained the same for hundreds of years", allowing us to get a glimpse of the style of the Tang and Song dynasties.
We can't deny that some historical buildings have brought us beautiful imagination, making us feel as if we have traveled through time and space to meet the famous sages of ancient times. However, we cannot ignore the fact that these buildings are not all real historical relics, but have been artificially rebuilt or transformed, and have lost their original appearance and connotation. We can't think that we can comprehend the state of mind and wisdom of the ancients because of our impetuousness and shallowness, and just talk about "poetry and distance".
We should think about what is a real artifactWhat is truly eternal?Perhaps, we should respect and cherish more those historical relics that have truly experienced the vicissitudes of life and maintained their original appearance and spirit, and draw historical lessons and cultural essence from them.