Explanation

This chapter introduces a theoretical framework for understanding Chinese urban development through the concepts of the Shanshui city and Terrapoetic Urbanism. Drawing on traditional Chinese views of nature and the philosophy of the unity of humans and nature (Tianren Heyi), it conceptualizes cities as integrated systems of mountains, waters, and human settlements rather than isolated built forms. The chapter defines the regional landscape system as a composite of natural landforms, water networks, vegetation, and human-made hydraulic infrastructures that extends beyond the urban core. It argues that Chinese cities historically emerged and evolved through long-term human intervention and adaptive interaction with these regional systems. By emphasizing regionality, process, and landscape mediation, the chapter provides a lens for interpreting the spatial evolution of Chinese cities and offers theoretical insights relevant to contemporary landscape-based and ecological urbanism.