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arXiv · 1306.5161

A possible role of sunrise/sunset azimuth in the planning of ancient Chinese towns

Amelia Carolina Sparavigna
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Abstract

In the planning of some Chinese towns we can see an evident orientation with the cardinal north-south direction. However, other features reveal a possible orientation with the sunrise/sunset azimuth on solstices too, as in the case of Shangdu (Xanadu), the summer capital of Kublai Khan. Here we discuss some other examples of a possible solar orientation in the planning of ancient towns. We will analyze the plans of Xi'an, Khanbalik and Dali.

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Amelia Carolina Sparavigna. 2013-06-20. A possible role of sunrise/sunset azimuth in the planning of ancient Chinese towns. https://arxiv.org/abs/1306.5161

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