Publications
“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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