The shan-shui city idea is trying to bring traditional values and ways of living to modern high-rise architecture.

The quote by Ma Yansong — "The shan-shui city idea is trying to bring traditional values and ways of living to modern high-rise architecture." — reflects his vision of blending cultural heritage with contemporary urban development. The term shan-shui (literally “mountain-water”) refers to a classical Chinese aesthetic found in landscape painting, emphasizing harmony between human life and nature. By applying this concept to urban design, Ma aims to soften the rigid, vertical nature of high-rise cities with more organic, nature-inspired elements.

Ma’s idea is to reintroduce a sense of spiritual connection, natural beauty, and communal living that often gets lost in modern cityscapes dominated by concrete and glass. In the shan-shui city, architecture is not just functional or symbolic of economic power—it becomes an extension of the landscape, one that promotes emotional well-being, cultural continuity, and ecological balance. This approach challenges the conventional view of skyscrapers as isolated towers by proposing buildings that engage with their surroundings, echoing mountain ranges, flowing rivers, or terraced hills.

The origin of this quote lies in Ma Yansong’s broader architectural philosophy and public discourse around urbanism in China and beyond. Through his firm MAD Architects, Ma has championed projects like the Nanjing Zendai Himalayas Center and Huangshan Mountain Village, which physically manifest the shan-shui principles—integrating natural forms, green spaces, and cultural symbolism into modern urban fabric. His goal is to create cities that reflect both technological advancement and philosophical depth.

Ultimately, Ma’s quote underscores a desire to reimagine urban life not just as efficient or dense, but as soulful and rooted in the traditions that shape our identity. The shan-shui city stands as a powerful response to the globalization of architecture—seeking not uniformity, but a modern expression of timeless values that resonate with local culture and the human spirit.