Chinese History and Culture: From the Tang Dynasty to Modern Governance

Features of the Golden Age of the Tang Dynasty

• Timeline and Context: The Tang Dynasty existed approximately $1400$ to $1100$ years ago. Historians consider this era the "Golden Age" of Chinese history, particularly reaching its peak under the governance of Emperor Taizong.

• Internal Governance and Livelihood: Emperor Taizong implemented significant measures to support the common people. This included land distribution policies where the government provided farmland to citizens, telling them, "This farmland is for you. You can make a living by farming."

• Diplomatic and Military Power: The Tang Dynasty's national power was so immense that neighboring areas submitted to its rule. These neighboring regions viewed Emperor Taizong as their supreme leader, bestowing upon him the title "Khan of Heaven."

• International Economic Exchange:

  • Chang'an, the capital, became a global hub where many foreigners arrived for trade.

  • Arabians began settling in Guangzhou, which subsequently evolved into a major international trading port.

• Cultural and Educational Hub:

  • People from across the Korean Peninsula and Japan traveled to China to acquire advanced knowledge and study Chinese culture.

  • The Japanese government sent international embassies to study the Tang systems. Students would remark, "I admire the culture of China, so I decided to study there."

Transport and the Role of Hong Kong in the Tang Period

• Strategic Location of Tuen Mun: Tuen Mun in Hong Kong is located at the mouth of the Zhu Jiang (Pearl River). During the Tang Dynasty, it served as a vital gateway for merchant ships traveling toward or away from Guangzhou.

• Military Protection of Trade: To secure these economic routes, the Tang government established a town in Tuen Mun. Soldiers were stationed there specifically to protect merchant vessels.

• Etymology of Tuen Mun: The name reflects its historical function:

  • Tuen (剣): Refers to the stationing of soldiers.

  • Mun (門): Means "gateway."

Xuanzang and Cultural Exchange with India (Tian Zhu)

• Motivation for the Journey: During Emperor Taizong’s reign, a monk named Xuanzang observed that existing translations of Buddhist texts contained many errors. He resolved to travel to Tian Zhu (the ancient name for India) to study the original texts and correct these mistakes.

• The Journey Westward: Xuanzang faced extreme environmental hardships, including crossing hot and dry deserts. He maintained a resolute mindset, stating, "I won’t give up. I must go to Tian Zhu and study Buddhist texts!"

• Return and Imperial Support: Upon returning to China, Xuanzang was warmly welcomed by Emperor Taizong. The Emperor provided him with manpower and resources to assist in his work. Xuanzang dedicated himself to translating the Indian Buddhist texts into Chinese.

• Legacy and Contributions:

  • Title: He was honored with the title "Sanzang Fashi."

  • Written Records: He shared his observations of the journey with the Chinese people, which were compiled into books. This journey inspired the creation of one of the Four Great Classical Novels of China (Journey to the West).

  • Cultural Diffusion: His travels promoted bilateral cultural exchange. Many aspects of Indian culture were introduced to China through his efforts, including:

    • Astronomy

    • Sculptural art

    • Sugar-making techniques

Cultural Influence on Japan and Korea

• Jianzhen’s Mission to Japan: A famous Tang monk named Jianzhen sought to spread Buddhism in Japan. His journey was marked by extreme perseverance:

  • He failed five times due to shipwrecks, bad weather, and government prohibitions.

  • He finally succeeded on his $6^{th}$ attempt.

  • He arrived in Japan at the age of $66$ and stayed for $9$ years, despite being blind by that time.

• Jianzhen’s Impact in Japan: He introduced Buddhist temple architecture styles, spread Chinese herbal medicine knowledge, promoted Chinese calligraphy, and established Buddhist teachings.

• Evidence of Tang Influence in Modern Asia:

  • Japan: Influence is seen in characters (writing), road signs (e.g., in Kamakura), and architecture (e.g., Toshodaiji Temple in Nara, Jojuin Temple, and Gokuraku Temple).

  • Korea: Influence remains visible in clothing (the Hanbok), characters, and traditional festivals such as the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Prosperity of the Song Dynasty ($1100$ to $700$ Years Ago)

• Visual Documentation: The painting Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival (depicting Bianjing, present-day Kaifeng) serves as a digital-age primary source for understanding Song prosperity. It shows busy streets, arch bridges, and the banks of the Bian He.

• Urban Life and Economy: The painting reveals a variety of land transport methods and numerous shops and stalls offering diverse products and services. The river is crowded with various kinds of boats, indicating highly developed water transport.

• Technological Advancements in Shipbuilding:

  • Watertight-Bulkhead Technology: Song ships were divided into more than ten sealed compartments. If one was damaged, water would not flood the others, preventing the ship from sinking.

  • Archaeological Proof: A wooden ship unearthed in $1974$ in Quanzhou Bay, Fujian, confirms these advanced designs. It contained money, pottery, and spices (pepper, frankincense, and eaglewood) commonly traded in Southeast Asia.

Hong Kong during the Song Dynasty

• The Sung Wong Toi Monument: This monument commemorates the period when the Song royalty were in Hong Kong. Archaeological finds at the Sung Wong Toi MTR station include coins used nationwide, incense burners from Zhejiang, and tea ware from Fujian.

• The Five Great Clans of the New Territories: During the Song Dynasty, people from the Mainland moved to Hong Kong to escape war, establishing walled villages. The five major clans include:

  1. Tang (鄧): The earliest clan to settle; originated from Jishui, Jiangxi Province.

  2. Hau (䈕): Originated from Panyu, Guangdong Province.

  3. Pang (剢): Originated from Yongding, Fujian Province.

  4. Liu (剂): Originated from Yichun, Jiangxi Province.

  5. Man (文): Originated from Ji’an, Jiangxi Province.

• Walled Village Culture: These settlements featured:

  • Ancestral halls (to honor ancestors).

  • Temples (to worship gods).

  • Study rooms (for the education of children).

  • Wells (crucial for daily water needs).

National Hero Man Tin Cheung and the Yuan Dynasty

• The Mongol Conquest: The Song army was militarily weak compared to the Mongols. Under Genghis Khan (Temujin), the Mongols united nomadic tribes and established a powerful regime characterized by bravery and archery skills.

• Establishment of the Yuan ($750$ to $650$ Years Ago): Kublai Khan, the grandson of Genghis Khan, founded the Yuan Dynasty and eventually defeated the Song.

• Man Tin Cheung’s Resistance: As the Song Prime Minister, Man Tin Cheung organized a volunteer army to fight the Mongols. After being captured, he was held on a ship crossing the Lingding Sea.

  • Loyalty: He famously refused to surrender despite Kublai Khan spending years trying to persuade him. He preferred death over betraying his country.

  • Literary Legacy: He wrote poems (notably while at Lingding Sea) expressing his patriotism.

• Yuan Dynasty Achievements: Business thrived, the use of paper money became widespread, and Yuan Opera (Yuanqu) became a staple of Chinese literature.

One Country, Two Systems and the Basic Law

• Historical Background: Hong Kong has historically been Chinese territory but was under British occupation for over $100$ years following the Opium War in the late Qing Dynasty.

• The Return to China: China resumed the ruling of Hong Kong on $1\,July\,1997$. The late leader Deng Xiaoping proposed the "One Country, Two Systems" principle to resolve the Hong Kong issue.

• Principle Mechanics:

  • "One Country" is the foundation of "Two Systems."

  • The existing social and economic systems, laws, and lifestyles remain unchanged for $50$ years.

• The Basic Law and the Constitution:

  • The Constitution of the People's Republic of China is the supreme law and provides the legislative backing for the Basic Law.

  • The Basic Law puts "One Country, Two Systems" into practice in the HKSAR.

• Regional Differences under Two Systems:

  • Writing: Mainland uses Simplified Chinese; Hong Kong uses Traditional Chinese.

  • Traffic: Mainland drives on the right (driver on the left); Hong Kong drives on the left (driver on the right).

  • Sports: Mainland competes as "China"; Hong Kong competes as "Hong Kong, China."

Rights and Duties of Hong Kong Residents

• Protected Rights under the Basic Law:

  • Freedom of choice of occupation (e.g., becoming an engineer).

  • Freedom to engage in cultural activities (e.g., dance classes).

  • Freedom to travel and to enter or leave the HKSAR.

  • Freedom of religious belief (e.g., worshipping at Tin Hau Temple).

  • Right to social welfare (e.g., public housing, Old Age Living Allowance).

• Duties of Residents:

  • Paying taxes on time.

  • Keeping the environment clean.

  • Obeying traffic rules and regulations at large-scale activities (e.g., New Year fairs).

  • General adherence to the law.

• Specific Legal Ordinances and Penalties:

  • Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170): Prohibits feeding boars, monkeys, or wild birds. Offenders face a maximum fine of $10000$.

  • Dangerous Goods Ordinance (Cap. 295): Prohibits illegal use/storage of fireworks. Offenders face a fine of $25000$ and $6$ months imprisonment.

  • National Security: The National Security Law (passed June $2020$) and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (passed March $2024$) are essential for stability.

Classroom Interaction and Rule-Setting

• The Purpose of Rules: Rules and laws guide behavior and protect rights. In a classroom, they ensure a better environment (e.g., keeping desks clean) and organized communication (e.g., raising hands).

• Process of Rule-Setting: Typically involves a teacher's guidance, student suggestions, and voting to ensure agreement. Once set, rules should be obeyed by everyone. Changes to rules also require a collaborative process.

• Questions & Discussion:

  • Question: Why was Deng Xiaoping determined that "China would reclaim Hong Kong"?

  • Answer: Because Hong Kong had been China’s territory since ancient times.

  • Question: Who proposed "One Country, Two Systems"?

  • Answer: Deng Xiaoping.

  • Question: What signifies the close relationship between Hong Kong and the rest of China in the Song Dynasty?

  • Answer: Unearthed items like coins and ceramics from other provinces found at Sung Wong Toi.