• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.39 no.5
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• pp.127-140
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• 2011

The research described in this report was conducted to find out how elements of the natural environment contributed to the formation of Chang'an, how its water system reinforced its status as the capital city, and what role it took for its urban function based on studies of the canal constructions. During the period of Sui and Tang, Chang'an built a sophisticated water system using Qu(渠), the irrigation facilities. In the water system, hills are called Yuan(原), and rivers with the proper environment to be developed plan into urban infrastructure facilities for irrigation water, urban living water, the composition of garden-based facility, reservoirs, and others. They improve agricultural productivity and, consequently, increase the city's competitiveness as well as contributing to the urban infrastructure, serving as a convenient source and ensuring the quality of life was abundant. So, the urban effects of the water system have raised the capital's status. With the contribution of its pragmatic water system, Chang'an not only performed its urban function brilliantly, but also established itself more firmly as a capital city.