August 19, 2025
Ruins in China
While traveling in China, I was struck by the lack of historical evidence. In Italy, as soon as we dig a little, we find Greek, Roman, and medieval ruins; our cities are built in layers, with one era on top of another.
On the other hand, China seemed like America to me, where you don't see anything from the past. Chinese cities are a forest of new buildings; everything in China seems new.
This is due to the immense destruction that has occurred throughout various eras, the most recent being the Cultural Revolution. However, I believe it's also because of the way ancient buildings were constructed. In China, buildings are made of wood with only a stone foundation, so they disappear over time.