In the long history of China, there is a woman's name that has been remembered by people. She is a legendary figure in the Tang Dynasty - Wu Zetian. As the only orthodox female emperor in Chinese history, during her reign, she not only showed extraordinary ability and wisdom in politics, but also left a brilliant mark in the field of architecture.
At that time, Chang'an City was one of the largest metropolises in the world, with a large population and prosperous commerce. In order to meet the development needs of the city, Wu Zetian decided to carry out large-scale renovation and expansion of Chang'an. She ordered the construction of many new palaces, streets, and public facilities, such as city walls and moats, making Chang'an a more beautiful and modern city. In addition, she also vigorously promoted the greening of the city, making Chang'an one of the most beautiful cities in the world at that time.
Wu Zetian also carried out a large number of construction projects in Luoyang. The city was originally the capital of the Eastern Han Dynasty, but it was abandoned for many years during the Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties. However, by the time of Emperor Gaozong of the Tang Dynasty, Luoyang was revitalized and was designated as the vice-capital of the empire.
In order to further enhance the status of Luoyang, Wu Zetian invested a lot of resources in urban construction. She built many magnificent halls, including the Heaven and Ming Hall, which were built to the strictest royal specifications. In addition, she ordered the excavation of the Longmen Grottoes, a sprawling Buddhist art project that is hailed as an artistic treasure of the East.
In addition to the above two cities, Wu Zetian also left his footprints in other places. In Yangzhou, for example, she built the western end of the Grand Canal, which greatly improved the city's accessibility. In Nanjing, she built a new temple called Jinling Temple in memory of her deceased father, Li Yuan.
Wu Zetian was an empress with great vision and outstanding talents. During her reign, she not only successfully governed a strong country, but also made important contributions in many ways. Among them, her achievements in the construction industry can be said to be very outstanding. Whether it's a large-scale palace reconstruction or a small temple renovation, each project demonstrates her unique aesthetic and profound knowledge.