Mapping the lost cultural landscape of the Donghua Daoist Temple in Chongqing : a study of the importance of cultural landscape for Daoist sites

A critical gap exists in the recognition of cultural landscapes in the preservation of Daoist sites, despite their vital role in maintaining both physical architecture and intangible cultural continuity. While 86 properties globally are inscribed as cultural landscapes on the World Heritage List—including none in China related to Daoism—the potential for such nominations is underutilized due to oversight during inscription processes. This study highlights the close relationship between Daoist architecture and its surrounding cultural landscape, using the Donghua Daoist Temple in Chongqing as a case study. It demonstrates how integrating cultural landscapes into conservation efforts could enhance the integrity of Daoist sites, including those with universal value like Mount Sanqingshan National Park, by fulfilling criteria for 'continuing landscapes of outstanding universal value.' The research underscores the need to reassess and expand the recognition of such landscapes in heritage conservation.

Su, Y. Mapping the lost cultural landscape of the Donghua Daoist Temple in Chongqing : a study of the importance of cultural landscape for Daoist sites. https://doi.org/10.5353/th_b4834849