Jiangsu, China , Aug. 21, 2025 —
To comprehend a nation’s culture, one can begin by examining its architecture — these enduring structures rooted in the land encapsulate the most vivid historical recollections and philosophical insights.
The ten-episode micro-documentary series, Architecture of China (Season 1), has recently been unveiled. Taking China’s Jiangsu region as its initial focus, it provides a gateway for global viewers to intimately experience Chinese culture. Here, every brick, every tile, and every courtyard narrates a story of the Chinese people’s ingenuity in living harmoniously with nature, their unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, and the vibrant spirit emerging from the integration of tradition and modernity.
To assist international viewers in grasping the aesthetic principles behind these architectural marvels, the documentary is guided by Andrew Field, an American scholar of East Asian history and professor at Duke Kunshan University. Merging an “outsider’s curiosity” with a “researcher’s depth,” he engages in comprehensive discussions with architectural managers, skilled artisans, and innovative designers throughout his journey. Through his explorations, the once-obscure Eastern aesthetics reveal an understandable logic — such as the juxtaposition of a Gothic clock tower and a Jiangnan-style moon gate at Soochow University’s Wang Jian Law School, which symbolizes a silent conversation between civilizations; the 29 meticulous steps required to create the “golden bricks” for the Forbidden City’s floors are, at their core, a testament to the dedication of “excelling at one task”; the remarkable skill of Yangzhou craftsmen in making artificial mountains “appear real” is fundamentally the most sincere homage to nature. These interpretations from an external viewpoint render the tenets of Eastern aesthetics clear and accessible.
The series bridges cultural gaps through three distinct characteristics: Firstly, the convergence of Chinese and Western viewpoints. Andrew’s journey maintains a sense of “novelty” while delving into the cultural core through dialogue. Secondly, the visual representation of a conversation between the past and present. For instance, the glass walkway over Xuzhou’s underground Ming Dynasty city allows viewers to “walk upon a Ming-era street,” and the glass pagoda at the Great Bao’en Temple recreates the luminous effects from the Ming Dynasty. Thirdly, an immersive engagement with details. From the “picture frame effect” in the Humble Administrator’s Garden to the “repeated firing” of the Imperial Kiln’s golden bricks, the audience can perceive the warmth of life and the commitment to craftsmanship ingrained within the architecture. For those keen to understand Chinese culture, it will illuminate a truth: Chinese culture is not merely a museum exhibit but a vibrant, evolving force — flowing through the essence of its buildings, alive in the hands of its artisans, and woven into every fabric of Chinese existence.
Click the YouTube link:
to view Architecture of China (Season 1). Allow these structures standing on the land of Jiangsu to transport you into the spiritual heritage of the Chinese people.
CONTACT: Weng Lei weng.lei(at)jsbc.com
