MENGYUAN TIAN: Reconstructing the Hometown of the Yellow Emperor [PGR]

This research examines how spatial construction contributes to contemporary interpretations of the Yellow Emperor, an integral aspect of the spatialization of the spiritual home of the Chinese nation in modern China. Since the 1980s, the (re)construction of related sites has been driven by initiatives from local officials and entrepreneurs, government investments, and contributions from architectural designers.

Given the site's political, cultural, and economic significance, the (re)construction has undergone four distinct stages over the past three decades to adapt to evolving political and social expectations. Focusing on the latest renovation of the Yellow Emperor's Hometown Scenic Area in 2020 in Xinzheng City, Henan Province, this research analyzes how architectural design facilitates the creation of spaces for national rituals and how expectations for such rituals shape architectural presentations.

The study highlights multiple spatial layers contributing to the site's construction, including the architecturally symmetrical landscape within the scenic area, featuring key structures such as the Root-Seeking Gate, Ancestral Hall, Worship Square, Xuanyuan Palace, and the statue of the Yellow Emperor. The (re)construction process reflects the development of infrastructure under local and central governance while demonstrating shifting demands for spatializing the spiritual home of the Chinese nation in contemporary China.

Mengyuan Tian is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Cambridge, Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern, working on the topic of the governmental involvement in the reconstruction of the Yellow Emperor Worship Ceremony in contemporary China under the supervision of Professor Adam Yuet Chau. My research interest lies in the state’s involvement, motivations, and strategies in the revival of popular religion; faith construction, nation-building, and the political apparatus behind; digitialization, commercilization, and secularization of religious practices; the engagement of other social actors, including religious practitioners, officials, elites, entrepreneurs, fortune- tellers, temple contractors, media industry personnel, and local residents.

MCI’s PGR workshops are lunchtime seminars held in person at the Manchester China Institute. They seek to bring together students, faculty, and staff who can best provide feedback as postgraduate researchers develop their ideas. Free lunch will be provided.

The MCI is a listed building and therefore does not have any lifts. Please note that you must use the stairs in order to access the venue and the toilets.

The organisers will be taking photos during this event. If you prefer not to be included in any photos, kindly inform the organisers before the event starts.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Manchester China Institute, 178 Waterloo Place, Manchester, United Kingdom