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 American Journal of Art and Communication 

Vol.8, Issue 2; March-April - 2023; 

1252 Columbia Rd NW, Washington DC, United States 

https://topjournals.org/index.php/AJAC; mail: topacademicjournals@gmail.com 

 
 

 

  

8 | American Journal of Art and Communication 

|  https://topjournals.org/index.php/AJAC  

TWO-DIMENSIONAL DYNAMIC TECHNOLOGY FOR RESHAPING THE 

HISTORICAL EVOLUTION OF THE SUMMER RESORT  
 

 

Maria Teresa C. dela Cruz 
2Univerity of Perpetual Help System Dalta, Manila, Philippines  

 

Abstract:  

The Summer Resort is a royal garden of the Qing Dynasty located in Chengde City, Hebei Province, China. It has 

far-reaching influence in history, art, and politics. This paper proposes to reshape the historical evolution of the 

Summer Resort from Kangxi to Jiaqing through two-dimensional dynamic display technology. This technology 

can clearly show the spatial layout and architectural details of the summer resort, intuitively present the changing 

process of the summer resort in different historical stages, and present complex historical information to the public 

in an intuitive and easy-to-understand form. 

Keywords: Summer Resort, Qing Dynasty, two-dimensional dynamic display technology, historical evolution, 

architectural details  

 

 

1. Introduction  

The summer resort, located in Chengde City, Hebei Province, China, is one of the outstanding representatives of 
the royal gardens of the Qing Dynasty. It has far-reaching influence in history, art, and politics. It was first built 
in 1702 during the Kangxi period. It witnessed the historical process of the Qing Dynasty from prosperity to 

decline. It is a treasure of ancient Chinese garden art and an important part of the world's cultural heritage[1].  
The importance of the Summer Resort lies not only in its artistic and historical value but also in the fact that it is 
an important place for the Qing Dynasty to govern the empire. Every summer, the emperor of the Qing Dynasty 
would deal with the affairs of the government here, meet the subjects and foreign envoys, and even hold grand 
sacrificial activities. Therefore, exploring the historical evolution of the Summer Resort is actually an important 
way to understand the operation of the Qing imperial power and Chinese traditional culture[2].   
However, how to show the historical evolution of this huge and complex royal garden concretely and vividly has 
always been a challenge. Therefore, the theme of this paper is to reshape the historical evolution of the Summer 
Resort from Kangxi to Jiaqing through two-dimensional dynamic display technology.  
There are three reasons for choosing two-dimensional dynamic display technology to reshape the historical 
evolution of the summer resort. First of all, it can clearly show the spatial layout and architectural details of the 
summer resort. Secondly, through dynamic display, we can intuitively present the changing process of the summer 
resort in different historical stages. Finally, this technology can present complex historical information to the 
public in an intuitive and easy-to-understand form, improving their understanding and interest in history.  

This article will be divided into four parts. First of all, we will review the construction and development process 
of the summer resort in the three periods of Kangxi, Qianlong, and Jiaqing. Then, we will introduce how to use 
two-dimensional dynamic display technology to display this historical information. Next, we will explore the role 
of this technology in reshaping history and its possible limitations. Finally, we will put forward conclusions and 
prospects for future research.  

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 American Journal of Art and Communication 

Vol.8, Issue 2; March-April - 2023; 

1252 Columbia Rd NW, Washington DC, United States 

https://topjournals.org/index.php/AJAC; mail: topacademicjournals@gmail.com 

 
 

 

  

9 | American Journal of Art and Communication 

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2. Construction, transformation, and pepair of summer resort from Kangxi to Jiaqing  

2.1 The design and construction of the summer resort in the Kangxi period  

The design and construction of the Summer Resort began in the 41st year of Kangxi ( 1702 ) of the Qing Dynasty. 
Emperor Kangxi was deeply fond of beautiful natural scenery and peaceful climatic conditions during his cruise, 
so he chose to build a palace on the Jehol River ( now Chengde City, Hebei Province ), which was not only a 

summer resort but also a place to deal with government affairs [3].   
The summer resort during the Kangxi period was the initial stage of construction. Emperor Kangxi visited 
Chengde a total of 55 times, including 28 times in the summer resort. Emperor Kangxi had an in-depth 
participation in the design and construction of the villa. He attached importance to natural aesthetics and paid 
attention to the harmonious coexistence of architecture and the natural environment. He emphasizes the use and 
shaping of natural landscapes so that the design of the villa retains the original natural landscape. The architectural 
style adopts the traditional Chinese wooden structure, combines the elements of rocks, pools, and corridors, and 
draws on the design style of Jiangnan Gardens. Lakes, streams, and hills are naturally integrated into the building 
[4].   
During the Kangxi period, the south side of the palace was the palace area, and the north of the palace area was 
dug up to form three islands, Ruyizhou, Huanbi, and Yuesejiangsheng Island, which symbolized the immortal 
island of Xianshan. In the forty-seventh year of Kangxi (1708), the Rehe Palace began to take shape, and the main 
landscapes were completed. Later, Emperor Kangxi successively expanded and built the villa. The construction 

projects mainly included palaces, courtyards, and gardens. Among them, the East Lake (Jinghu Lake), 
Qingshushan Pavilion, and Shuixin Pavilion were completed during the Kangxi period. Emperor Kangxi also 
selected 36 scenic spots that he liked and titled them with four words. Each place wrote poems and ordered 
painters to paint, which was called the 'Kangxi 36 Scenes ' of the Mountain Resort.  
The design and construction of the summer resort during the Kangxi period emphasized the harmonious 
coexistence of royal authority and nature and created a new style of northern royal gardens. With its unique artistic 
charm and profound cultural connotation, this style has influenced the royal garden design of later generations 
and has also become an important chapter of ancient Chinese garden art.  

2.2 The transformation and expansion of the summer resort in the Qianlong period  

The Qianlong period was the prosperous period of the summer resort. Emperor Qianlong reigned for 60 years and 
then became the emperor for 3 years. Among them, a total of 51 years were spent in the summer resort, which 
was the longest emperor in Chengde. This period has experienced large-scale transformation and expansion and 
is also regarded as the golden age of the construction of the summer resort. Emperor Qianlong inherited Emperor 
Kangxi's love for the summer resort, and carried out large-scale expansion and transformation on the basis of the 

original, further improving the design and layout of the summer resort.  
On the basis of the lake landscape built by Emperor Kangxi, Emperor Qianlong added many new attractions and 
buildings. Since the 6th year of Emperor Qianlong ( 1741 ), Emperor Qianlong has built and demolished dozens 
of buildings, such as Ruyizhou, Songhezhai, Qushuihexiang, Qianchixue, Yongyou Temple, Shelita, Qingyinge, 
Lizhengmen, Zhantanlin, Chuangdezhai, etc., until the 47th year of Emperor Qianlong ( 1782 ). Emperor 
Qianlong's hobby of building a garden in the summer resort ended. During the reign of Emperor Qianlong, 
Emperor Qianlong also imitated his grandfather Emperor Kangxi to choosing 36 landscapes in the Summer 
Resort, which were named after the three-character title, namely 'Thirty-six Views of Qianlong Summer Resort '. 
However, most of the landscapes were built and named during the reign of Emperor Kangxi, thus forming the 
famous ' Seventy-two Views of Kangxi and Qianlong Summer Resort '. Emperor Qianlong paid special attention 
to the artistic decoration of the Summer Resort. He ordered a large number of sculptures, murals, and stone 

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 American Journal of Art and Communication 

Vol.8, Issue 2; March-April - 2023; 

1252 Columbia Rd NW, Washington DC, United States 

https://topjournals.org/index.php/AJAC; mail: topacademicjournals@gmail.com 

 
 

 

  

10 | American Journal of Art and Communication 

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carvings to be added to the garden, making the artistic atmosphere of the Summer Resort more intense. Among 
them, stone carvings are the most famous, such as Qianlong Youyingji ' and other sixteen inscriptions and sixteen 
pavilions, which are the representatives of stone carving art in the Qing Dynasty [5].   

In addition, Emperor Qianlong also built the Outer Eight Temples in the northern part of the Mountain Resort to 

highlight the multi-ethnic rule of the Qing Dynasty. The architectural styles of these temples are different, which 

integrates the architectural art of Tibetan, Mongolian, Han, and other ethnic groups, and further enriches the 

cultural connotation of the summer resort.  
The expansion and transformation of the summer resort during the Qianlong period not only enhanced its artistic 
and historical value but also further strengthened its status as a symbol of royal power.  

2.3 Renovation and maintenance of summer resort in Jiaqing period  

The Jiaqing period was the post-construction period of the Summer Resort. During the 25 years of Emperor 
Jiaqing's reign, he spent a total of 19 times in summer resorts, second only to Emperor Kangxi. Emperor Jiaqing's 
love for the summer resort was no less than that of his father Emperor Qianlong, but due to the pressure of treasury 
finance, he paid more attention to practicality and economy in the transformation and expansion. Therefore, the 
transformation and expansion of the summer resort during the Jiaqing period is mainly the restoration and 
protection of the buildings during the Qianlong period, as well as some small-scale transformations and additions.  
During the Jiaqing period, the main buildings of the Mountain Resort, such as Suyun Eaves and Chengquan 
Raoshi, were partially demolished and modified. At the same time, a series of repairs were carried out on buildings 
such as Xianyuan Zhaoling and Yanyu Buildings. In addition, Emperor Jiaqing also added some new attractions 
to the summer resort, such as the Yiran Pavilion, Fanghe Pavilion, Liyun Pavilion, etc., which further enriched 
the landscape of the summer resort.  
Although the scale of renovation and expansion in the Jiaqing period was small, its protection and restoration of 
the summer resort have enabled the summer resort to be preserved to this day, and it still retains the original 
appearance of the royal gardens of the Qing Dynasty, which is of great value for us to understand the history of 

the Qing Dynasty and garden art [6].   

3. Two-dimensional dynamic display of the form and steps of the historical evolution of the summer 

resort  

3.1 Two-dimensional dynamic display of the form of the historical evolution of the summer resort  

Through the dynamic map, we can examine the spatial layout and terrain changes of the summer resort from a 
new perspective through the scaling, translation, and rotation of the map. At the same time, through the way of 
dynamic display, the change and development of the summer resort from the Kangxi period to the Jiaqing period 

can be displayed on the timeline.  
In addition to spatial changes, two-dimensional dynamic display technology can also show the changes in the 
architectural style and decorative art of the summer resort. We can create a series of dynamic illustrations to show 
the architectural styles and decorative features of the Kangxi, Qianlong, and Jiaqing periods. Through these 
dynamic illustrations, the audience can see how the artistic style of the summer resort develops and changes with 
the passage of time [7].  
In addition, two-dimensional dynamic display technology can also be used to show the changes in historical 
figures and events. By creating a dynamic timeline to show the participation and influence of the three emperors 
of Kangxi, Qianlong, and Jiaqing on the summer resort, the audience can better understand their personal 
influence and historical contribution to the summer resort.  
Through the creation of dynamic tutorials and interactive games and activities, we can also use two-dimensional 
dynamic display technology to better disseminate the history and culture of the summer resort in the field of 

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 American Journal of Art and Communication 

Vol.8, Issue 2; March-April - 2023; 

1252 Columbia Rd NW, Washington DC, United States 

https://topjournals.org/index.php/AJAC; mail: topacademicjournals@gmail.com 

 
 

 

  

11 | American Journal of Art and Communication 

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education and science. Through these activities, the audience can vividly learn and experience the history of the 
Mountain Resort, and contribute to the protection and inheritance of the cultural heritage of the Mountain Resort 
[8].    
In general, the two-dimensional dynamic display technology provides a new perspective and method, so that we 
can more vividly and intuitively understand and display the historical evolution of the summer resort.  

3.2 The steps to realize the two-dimensional dynamic display  

1) Collect historical data. We need to collect historical data about the summer resort, including architectural 

design drawings, historical documents, photos, videos and so on. These materials will provide the basis for the 

display.  
2) Set a timeline. The history of Mountain Resort is divided into different periods, and a timeline is 

established to mark the important events and changes in each period.  
3) Design the two-dimensional plan. According to the architectural layout of different periods, the two-
dimensional plane of the summer resort in different periods is designed. Each building, garden, lake, and other 
elements are marked on the plan.  
4) Add an animation effect. Using the animation effect, the elements in the plan are gradually displayed, 
showing the architectural layout and landscape changes in each period. It can be expressed by animation effects 
such as the gradual construction of buildings and the gradual maturity of garden vegetation.  
5) Combined with cultural relics display. By using the method of cultural relics display, historical photos, 
literature and video materials are integrated into it. By inserting these materials, we can more vividly show the 
changes and important events of the summer resort in different historical periods.  
6) Optimize the user experience. By optimizing the user experience to ensure that the display interface is 
simple and intuitive, while ensuring that navigation, zoom in, zoom out and other functions are easy to use. A 
variety of language versions are available for more users to learn about the history of the resort [7].   

7) Testing and Improvement. After the initial production is completed, a display test is carried out and improv 
ements are made based on feedback. Ensure the fluency and accuracy of the display.  
Through the above steps, we can use the two-dimensional dynamic display technology to show the historical 
evolution of the summer resort, provide the audience with an intuitive and vivid experience, and help them better 
understand and appreciate the historical changes of the summer resort [9].   

4. The role of two-dimensional dynamic display in reshaping history  

4.1 The two-dimensional dynamic display shows the advantages of historical evolution  

The two-dimensional dynamic display technology has strong visualization and dynamic characteristics, which 
make it a powerful tool for understanding and displaying historical evolution. In terms of the historical evolution 
of the summer resort, this technology can bring the following advantages:  

1) Two-dimensional dynamic display system can dynamically display historical changes. The two-
dimensional dynamic display technology can clearly show the architectural changes and development of the three 
main historical stages of the summer resort from Kangxi, Qianlong to Jiaqing based on the time axis. It can not 
only show the increase and modification of buildings and landscapes but also show the main activities of the three 
emperors of Kangxi, Qianlong, and Jiaqing and their influence on the summer resort [10].  
2) Two-dimensional dynamic display system can display spatial layout in all directions. The two-dimensional 
dynamic display technology can present the spatial layout of the summer resort, including the relative position of 
the building and the landscape design. The audience can observe and understand the spatial organization and 
design principles of the summer resort from different angles and scales by zooming and rotating the map.  

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 American Journal of Art and Communication 

Vol.8, Issue 2; March-April - 2023; 

1252 Columbia Rd NW, Washington DC, United States 

https://topjournals.org/index.php/AJAC; mail: topacademicjournals@gmail.com 

 
 

 

  

12 | American Journal of Art and Communication 

|  https://topjournals.org/index.php/AJAC  

3) Two-dimensional dynamic display system can visually reflect the architectural style and decorative arts. 
Two-dimensional dynamic display technology can be used to show the changes in architectural style and 
decorative art. Dynamic illustrations can clearly show the architectural styles and decorative features of the 
Kangxi, Qianlong, and Jiaqing periods, and how they integrate with the surrounding environment.   
4) Two-dimensional dynamic display system can promote history education and science popularization. The 
interactivity of two-dimensional dynamic display technology makes it an effective tool for education and science 
popularization. For example, interactive games and activities can be created to allow the audience to learn the 
history and culture of the summer resort in the game and improve their participation and learning effects [11].   

In general, the two-dimensional dynamic display technology has become a powerful tool to help us better 
understand and show the historical evolution of the summer resort with its dynamic, intuitive, and interactive.  

4.2 Limitations and possible improvements of two-dimensional dynamic display  

Two-dimensional dynamic display technology provides a novel way to show and understand history, but there are 
also some limitations:  
1) There is a limit to how much information you can express. Although a two-dimensional dynamic display 
can clearly show the changes in space and time, it may be limited in terms of expression depth and fineness. For 
example, the background, influence, and complex relationships with other events of a historical event may be 
difficult to fully present in a two-dimensional dynamic display [11].   
The improvement method is to provide more abundant and in-depth information by linking more detailed 
multimedia resources such as text, pictures, or videos. In addition, interactive elements can be introduced so that 
users can choose the part of interest for in-depth understanding.  
2) User experience is vulnerable to challenges. If the design of the dynamic display is not reasonable enough, 

it may make users feel confused or difficult to understand. Too complex an interaction design may also make it 
difficult for users to operate.  
You can focus on designing the user experience to ensure that the interface is clear and interactive. Through user 
testing, the design can be continuously optimized and adjusted to meet the needs of different users.  
3) High technical and resource requirements. Creating and maintaining a two-dimensional dynamic display 
requires certain technical capabilities and resources, which may pose challenges to production and users.  
Improvement method: By developing easier and more powerful software tools, the difficulty of creating a two-
dimensional dynamic display can be reduced. In addition, online tutorials and community support can be provided 
to help users solve technical problems [12].   
In general, although a two-dimensional dynamic display has limitations in displaying historical information, 
through appropriate improvement methods, we can still maximize its advantages and effectively use this tool to 
display and understand history.  

5. Conclusion  

Two-dimensional dynamic display technology provides a new way to show the historical evolution of the summer 
resort. Through the dynamic and intuitive form, it can present the changes in the spatial layout, architectural style, 
and historical events of the summer resort. Although this technology has some limitations, such as the limitation 
of information expression, the challenge of user experience, and the requirements of technical resources, we can 
maximize its advantages through improvement and optimization. For example, linking more detailed multimedia 
resources, optimizing user experience design, and developing easy-to-use software tools can improve the 
effectiveness of two-dimensional dynamic display technology, so as to better serve historical research and 
education.   

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 American Journal of Art and Communication 

Vol.8, Issue 2; March-April - 2023; 

1252 Columbia Rd NW, Washington DC, United States 

https://topjournals.org/index.php/AJAC; mail: topacademicjournals@gmail.com 

 
 

 

  

13 | American Journal of Art and Communication 

|  https://topjournals.org/index.php/AJAC  

In short, the two-dimensional dynamic display technology provides us with new possibilities, enriches the 
historical perspective, and provides an effective tool for history education and science popularization. We look 
forward to seeing more applications of technology and innovative methods in the future to better understand and 
protect our cultural heritage.  

Acknowledgements  

This work is supported by the 2023 provincial college students' innovation and entrepreneurship training project 
" Innovative application of digital popular science display technology in the historical evolution of the summer 
resort in the Qing Dynasty" .  

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