Publications
Yuan
A comprehensive study reveals that the Mongol-led Yuan dynasty (13th–14th century) significantly contributed to China's architectural legacy, challenging long-held perceptions of the Mongols as destroyers. The research demonstrates that Mongol rulers, including Khubilai Khan, actively built structures—palaces, temples, pagodas, and more—while adhering to Chinese building traditions. Drawing on multilingual textual analysis and fieldwork across East Asia, the study highlights the resilience of China's architectural system under foreign rule and its role in fostering cultural exchange. This groundbreaking work establishes a new reference for understanding this pivotal period.
Ancient genomes reveal complex genetic history of an international metropolis at Kublai Khan's Upper Capital (Xanadu)
Ancient genomic analysis of nine skeletons from the Zhenzishan cemetery near Xanadu, Kublai Khan's Upper Capital during the Yuan Dynasty, reveals a complex genetic landscape shaped by extensive population movements and exchanges. The study identified nine distinct maternal (mtDNA) haplotypes and eight paternal (Y-chromosome) haplogroups, indicating a high degree of genetic diversity among Xanadu's residents. Maternal lineages primarily traced back to East Asia with some western Eurasian influences, while paternal lineages showed the reverse pattern, suggesting significant gene flow across Eurasia during this period. This research provides crucial insights into the Mongol Empire's role in facilitating migration and admixture, contributing to our understanding of the genetic history of one of the most cosmopolitan cities of its time.
The Birth and Development of Dadu 大都 within the Mongol Empire - “The Court of People and Horses” and Power of Absence -
Research reveals that Dadu (modern-day Beijing), under the Mongol Empire's dual capital system, functioned as both a winter settlement and a critical node connecting the empire's seasonal capitals. Contrary to conventional views, Dadu was not primarily an imperial center but served as a hub for annual grants to Mongol princes and officials, while Shangdu (Xanadu) remained the revered summer capital. The study highlights that Qubilai Qa’an’s absence from Dadu—due to nomadic customs and political caution—created a unique 'power of absence,' where the monarch's return was ritualized and economically significant. This dynamic challenged traditional Confucian city models, emphasizing a mobile monarchy and a culture shaped by seasonal migration, shamanism, and administrative control.
“Kubla Khan” and Islamic Structures: Retracing Symbolism and Investigating Imagination
Coleridge's poem 'Kubla Khan' reveals striking architectural parallels between Xanadu, the Mongol summer palace, and Islamic structures, suggesting a fusion of historical mimesis and imaginative symbolism. The study identifies resemblances between Xanadu's pleasure-dome and Islamic paradise gardens (chaharbagh), as well as similarities with Kashmir's geographical spaces, supported by accounts from Marco Polo and other travelers. It further compares Xanadu to the Taj Mahal and Mecca, exploring its allegorical significance in relation to Islamic paradise or Jannah. The research examines possible influences on Coleridge’s poem, including historical narratives and his dreams, while retracing the symbolism of this fabled city.
The archaeoastronomy and feng shui of Xanadu: Kublai Khan’s imperial Mongolian capital
Xanadu, Kublai Khan's imperial summer capital during the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368), was designed with feng-shui principles that harmonized it with natural forces. A key discovery reveals that celestial alignments played a significant role in achieving this harmony, integrating visible and invisible elements of earth, sky, and water. The study combines archaeoastronomy and feng shui analysis to demonstrate how Xanadu's layout reflected sophisticated understanding of cosmic and terrestrial dynamics, offering new insights into the architectural and cultural sophistication of Mongolian imperial design.
Translating Intangible Cultural Heritage in an Ethnolinguistic Community: A Case Study of the Site of Xanadu in Inner Mongolia
A study identifies key challenges and strategies for translating the intangible cultural heritage of the Site of Xanadu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site representing Mongolian history and culture. The research reveals that effective translation must balance information transfer with cultural dissemination to ensure foreign tourists, particularly native English speakers, grasp the site's significance. By analyzing application documents, advertisements, and websites, the study pinpoints idiomatic and cross-cultural hurdles while proposing feasible solutions to bridge linguistic and cultural gaps. Funded by Inner Mongolia's Philosophy and Social Sciences Research Planning Office, this work contributes to broader efforts in international publicity of intangible cultural heritage.
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