Have you ever wondered how ancient urban planning can still inspire modern cities? Dive into Kao Gong Ji, a remarkable text compiled over 2,000 years ago during the Warring States Period, revealing a blueprint that defined a capital city with perfect symmetry. 😮
Imagine a city where the layout is a work of art: a square area with three gates on each 2.5-mile-long wall, three main streets running north-south and east-west, and even three smaller paths branching from each main road. This visionary design not only showcased practical engineering but also the creativity of the era.
Kao Gong Ji is the world’s oldest surviving technological encyclopedia. Its 7,000-character script covers everything from crafting bronze weapons and exquisite ornaments to constructing wooden structures and carriages, complete with early formulas for mixing copper and tin.
Lost for centuries and later rediscovered during the Han dynasty, this treasured text was eventually inscribed alongside revered works during the Tang Dynasty. Its enduring influence reminds us that innovation and creativity can transcend time and continue to spark inspiration in our digital age. 🚀
Whether you’re a history buff, tech enthusiast, or urban explorer, the legacy of Kao Gong Ji offers a fascinating glimpse into how ancient designs paved the way for modern ingenuity.
Reference(s):
The world's oldest urban blueprint? A look inside Kao Gong Ji
cgtn.com
