6. Geographic Landscape Planning and Design

Geography studies the sustainable development of human–nature relationships from a macrolevel to grasp the cultural ecology of an ancient capital. Research on the interaction between historical and cultural landscapes and geography can ensure the integrity, logic, and continuity of ancient landscapes in capitals. Both contemporary geography and historical geography are important to our research, as they relate to such matters as: geographical clues about physical expansion; the origin and developmental evolution within the geographical system; the key point of the important rivers and mountain ridges that embody the ancient city’s landscape; the main conflicts within city construction and the landscape; investigating the existing cultural relics in the geographical system; and preserving the natural environment around historical districts and the landscape composition of the historic city and its natural integration. All of these make up the geographical foundation of the features of Nanjing and its layout from a geographical perspective.