前言
理解城市美学的内涵
The Connotation of Urban Aesthetics
城市是人类文明的重要成果，也是人类的重要栖息地。城市之美展示了人类的创造力，体现了文明的多样性。
Cities represent a remarkable accomplishment of human civilization and serve as a vital home for humankind.The splendor of cities exemplifies human imagination and showcases the richness of various cultures.
城市美学是关于如何认识与打造城市之美的理论。理解了城市美学的内涵，就能把握城市之美的规律。当代世界的许多现代化城市，可以说是物质的、高科技的、便利的，但不足的是，缺少了人文气息、美学特征。这是当代城市发展所面临的一个普遍问题。
Urban aesthetics is a theory about understanding and building a city's beauty. What's truly inspiring is that once we comprehend the essence of urban aesthetics, we can effortlessly grasp the principles of urban beauty. Although many modernized cities in the world are renowned for their materialistic, high-tech, and convenient features, they often lack a more humanistic atmosphere and aesthetic allure. This is a challenge that urban development faces globally.
这些年来，我去过世界上许多不同的城市，发现一座能吸引人的城市会具有强烈的“包裹感”。我曾带学生去尼泊尔的加德满都、博卡拉等城市，那里街道很窄，还有些凹凸不平，但人们却能在城市里待得住，是因为那座城市里有古老的神庙，有市井的店铺，有茂盛的绿树。我也曾带学生去澳门，那里的街道同样很窄，弯弯绕绕的，但同学们去了后很喜欢，有人甚至把澳门作为自己的“第二故乡”。究其原因，城市里有古老的教堂与庙宇，有当地的美食，有五彩的花朵。美的城市给人留下美的印象，这是一种城市意象。理解这种美的城市意象，是理解城市美学内涵的基础。事实上，一座美的城市，往往有鲜明的特质。
Over the years, as I traveled to different cities worldwide, I couldn't help but notice that an attractive city has its strong sense of "enclosure". During my trips to Nepal with students, we explored narrow and uneven streets in cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara. However, the locals'unwavering love for these cities is a testament to the allure of ancient temples, bustling markets, and lush greenery. I have also taken my students to Macau. Despite its narrow and winding streets, the students enjoyed their visit, some even consider Macau as their "second hometown". The allure lies in the ancient churches, temples, local delicacies, and flourishing flowers. A beautiful city will leave a lasting impression on people, creating an urban imagery. Appreciating this imagery is the entrance to understanding the connotation of urban aesthetics. In fact, a beautiful city contains distinct characteristics.
第一，自然之美。人的本性是亲近自然的，美的城市既是现代化城市，也是森林中的城市。值得提出的是，对城市自然之美的理解不能只是大规模的绿化，如果城市里的人与自然没有互动感与有机感，这就不是真正的城市自然之美。在美的城市里，植物、山水与人的工作、生活空间是融为一体的。与此同时，对城市中的自然景观也不能只追求整齐度，而要体现原生态，真正保护大自然的“自然态”。在北京中轴线上，令人赏心悦目的河流是自然的，花园是自然的，山景是自然的，早在13世纪在旅行者马可·波罗的文字中，就盛赞了北京中轴线的自然之美。
First, a city's natural elements play a significant role in its beauty. Being close to nature is a human desire, a beatiful city is not only modern but also nestled within a verdant forest. However, it's important to note that having a lot of greenery alone doesn't necessarily make a city beautiful. If the relationship between people and nature doesn't have a sense of interaction and organicity, it's not the real natural beauty of the city. A city is beautifully designed when plants, landscapes, work, and living spaces are integrated seamlessly. The natural landscape should reflect the original ecology and preserve the true "natural state" of nature, rather than striving for uniformity. The Central Axis of Beijing is adorned with natural delightful rivers, gardens, and mountain scenery, which have been admired since the 13th century by travelers such as Marco Polo for its natural beauty.
第二，是历史之美。历史之美在于平和。活在历史中的人是安静的，活在将来的人是焦虑的，活在当下的人是快乐的。许多城市发展中的问题就是不重视对历史遗迹的保护，历史遗迹的保护至关重要，再造的历史往往不具备真实性。对一座城市来说，历史是城市之美的灵魂。在北京中轴线上，令人震撼与感动的是，人们能看到、触摸到真实的历史中的建筑与街道，拥有三千年建城史、八百年建都史的文化古城的精髓都体现在这条线路上，而中华文化精神气质的“中正平和”在此也得到了充分展现。
The second is holding its historical beauty. The beauty of history lies in its peacefulness. Those who dwell in history are serene, those who focus on the future are anxious, and those who live in the present are happy. The problem in the development of many cities is that they do not prioritize the protection of historical relics, and recreated history often lacks authenticity. For a city, history is the soul of its beauty. The Central Axis of Beijing is a prime example of a city that has preserved its historical buildings and streets, offering visitors a glimpse and a touch to them. The essence of the cultural ancient city, which has 3,000 years of city building and 800 years of capital history, is reflected on this line. This area truly embodies the Chinese cultural ethos of"Mild Temperament".
第三，生活之美。城市应该是有生活感的空间，可以用脚步丈量，店铺林立，街道弯曲，人情味、烟火气十足。如此，城市中的人们才会有融入其中、成为一体的美好感受。在北京中轴线上，令人喜悦与沉浸的是，这里有许多北京老字号的餐厅、店铺，有许多老北京人的豪爽、朴实，有许多北京市民日常生活的生机、快乐。不论是烤鸭、卤煮、糖葫芦，还是布鞋、丝绸、烟袋杆，以及灯会、庙会、钟鼓楼，都是北京城市生活之美的集中展现。
The third aspect that makes a city beautiful is its liveliness. A city should be a space with a sense of life, which can be measured with footsteps and lined with countless shops, winding streets, and a bustling atmosphere that's full of human touch. This creates a sense of belonging and integration for the people living there. In the Central Axis of Beijing, the time-honored restaurants and shops, the boldness and simplicity of the old Beijingers, and the vitality and happiness of the daily life of the citizens all contribute to the city's charm. It's not just about the renowned dishes like Peking duck, bittern flapjacks, and Tanghulu, or traditional items like cloth shoes, silk, and tobacco pipe poles. Even events like the lantern festivals and temple fairs, as well as landmarks like the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower, all embracing the beauty of Beijing's urban life.
理解城市美学要有自然、历史、生活的视角，如此，才能让我们的城市更具宜居感与吸引力，城市要为人们的幸福生活而服务，城市也要为人类文明创造更多财富。
To understand urban aestheics, we should always consider the importance of nature, history, and community. Only by doing so, can we make our city more livable and attractive. Cities should not only contribute to the well-being of its residents, but also create more wealth for its human civilization.
写作此文时，恰逢“中国旅游日”。这个日子的确定源自410年前中国伟大旅行家徐霞客的游记中开篇文章的日子，即公元1613年5月19日，文中有“云散日朗，人意山光，俱有喜态”的句子。事实上，美的城市是充满“喜态”的。希望有更多的城市越来越美，希望有更多的世界游客来北京中轴线体验北京城的历史之源、文化之韵与民俗之乐。
As I write this piece, it happens to be "China Tourism Day", a day inspired by a passage in the travel notes of a famous Chinese traveler named Xu Xiake, written 410 years ago on May 19, 1613. His words describing the beauty of everyday life still resonate:"When clouds disperse, the sun shines, and the mountain basks in radiant light, all expressing joy. " In truth, a beautiful city is one filled with the essence of delighet. I hope that more cities will become increasingly resplendent and that multitude of global travelers come to Beijing's Central Axis to experience its rich history, cultural charm, and the joy of its vibrant folk customs.
胡钰
Hu Yu
2023年5月19日于北京清华园
May 19th, 2023 at Tsinghua University, Beijing