西方视域下的中国形象探析——中世纪晚期西方旅行家的杭州印象

An Exploration of the Image of China in a Western Perspective:Impressions of Hangzhou by Western Travelers in the Late Middle Ages

从历史的角度看,西方人对中国形象的认知源于其对中国文化的认知。本文通过梳理马可·波罗等中世纪晚期西方旅行家所描摹和叙述的杭州形象,考察西方文化视野中的中国形象,分析中国文化曾经让西方人仰慕的原因。反观历史,我们可以发现,这一时期西方世界对遥远中国的倾情仰慕与当时政治、经济、文化等因素有着密切的关联。西方人的中国形象认知,在某种程度上就是一种西方世界对于“文化他者”的集体想象。西方人所勾勒的中国形象与中国历史的真实情形未必相符。在中外文化交流过程中,我们应当以我为主、兼收并蓄;加快构建中国话语和中国叙事体系;坚持文化自信基础上的文明互鉴;加强国际传播能力建设,向世界展现真实、立体、全面的中国形象。

This study based on a review of the image of Hangzhou depicted in literature by Western explorers in the late Middle Ages,such as Marco Polo,seeks to examine the image of China from the perspective of Western culture,and to explore factors that once stimulated Westerners'admiration for Chinese culture.It is indicated that Westerners'mania for distant China was closely related to the political,economic and cultural factors during that period.It is concluded that Westerners'knowledge of China is,to some extent,a collective imagination of the“cultural other”in the Western world.Moreover,the image of China sketched by Westerners may not match the real situation of Chinese history.Therefore,in the process of cultural exchanges between China and foreign countries,we should give prominence to Chinese culture while drawing from other cultures;and make greater efforts to construct China's own discourse and narrative.Meanwhile,we should adhere to mutual learning of civilizations based on cultural confidence,strengthen the capability for international communication,and present a true,multi-dimensional and panoramic view of China to the world.