The beliefs of ancient Chinese held that China was the ‘middle kingdom’ between heaven and earth, and located at the center of this intermediary realm was Dengfeng. Because of its unique cosmological significance, Dengfeng, in today’s Henan Province, became the place where China’s early dynasties established their capitals and one of the first cradles for Chinese civilization. Ancient Chinese astronomy adherents, as well as the followers of Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism, all visited Dengfeng to worship at its holy mountain, making it also a hub of cultural exchange. This intermingling contributed to the development of a great number of cultural monuments, all of which have become invaluable guides for understanding the minds of ancient Chinese.

“Different cultural beliefs have left a vast treasure, bequeathing fascinating buildings,” says Yang Huancheng, a renowned expert on ancient architecture. “The different styles reflect features of the ritual system, as well as the religious, scientific and educational beliefs of that time. Architecture extended across different periods and dynasties, combining to showcase a vivid history stretching over 2,000 years.” 

Juliet Ramsay, an Australian expert on cultural heritage, evaluated the architectural complex that has been billed “The Center of Heaven and Earth.” She learned the Chinese character “zhong” during her three-day investigation, since it appeared repeatedly at sites such as Shaolin Temple, Dengfeng Observatory, Zhongyue Temple and Songyang Academy. ‘Zhong’ means middle, and demonstrates the ancient belief regarding China’s, and specifically Dengfeng’s, position within the cosmos.