The Splendor of the Eastern Capital | Dreams of Splendor of the Eastern Capital Ambient Music

Continue into the magnificent world of Bianjing, the Eastern Capital of the Northern Song Dynasty, as remembered by Meng Yuanlao in Dongjing Meng Hua Lu (Dreams of Splendor of the Eastern Capital).

Part II moves deeper into the city's flourishing life — across painted bridges, along busy waterways, beneath the city gates, through wine houses and evening markets, and into streets illuminated by lanterns. As the day gradually comes to an end, the music follows the ancient capital from its evening splendor toward quietness.

This album features purely traditional Chinese instrumental music performed through guqin, guzheng, xiao, dizi, pipa, erhu,ruan, sheng, xun, and konghou. Each piece uses restrained arrangements, traditional melodies, natural pauses, and clear acoustic instrumentation.

The visual companion is Qiu Ying's Along the River During the Qingming Festival, preserved by the Liaoning Provincial Museum. The Ming Dynasty painting offers a sweeping vision of bridges, waterways, architecture, commerce, and everyday life, creating a visual connection with the urban world remembered in Dongjing Meng Hua Lu.

From the brilliance of the evening streets to the final quiet along the Bian River, Part II completes this musical journey through the splendor of the Eastern Capital.

Image Credit
Along the River During the Qingming Festival
Qiu Ying, Ming Dynasty
Liaoning Provincial Museum, China