Research on Causes of Water System Changes Inside and Outside the Mountain Resort

A significant decline in the water systems of Chengde Mountain Resort, the world's largest royal garden, is primarily attributed to severe soil and water loss from overcultivation in the Wulie River basin since the late Qing Dynasty. This study identifies that annual sediment runoff, equivalent to approximately 1,025,422.30 tons, stems from land overdevelopment, which has critically impacted the resort's waterscape. Researchers analyzed historical documents, maps, and remote sensing data, revealing how river management policies, including lake expansion projects and channel modifications, exacerbated water system regression. The findings underscore the dual impact of human intervention—while creating a classic landscape, these efforts also contributed to the decline of local water systems. This research provides a critical framework for understanding the temporal and spatial changes in landscape heritage, offering insights into ecological wisdom and sustainable management.

CAO, P., TANG, J., ZHOU, C., & HU, X. (2024). Research on Causes of Water System Changes Inside and Outside the Mountain Resort. Landscape Architecture, 31(4), 111–117. https://doi.org/10.3724/j.fjyl.202307140319