景观

• Pinyin: jǐng guān
• Hanzi breakdown: 景 = 日 (sun) + 京 (capital, high place) — sunlit scenery; 观 = 又 (again) + 见 (see) — to observe repeatedly

Meaning

Landscape; scenery; visual environment; a scenic view.

Refers to the overall visual appearance of a natural or designed environment — from mountain vistas to urban streetscapes. Widely used in architecture, urban planning, ecology, and tourism. The term encompasses both natural scenery (自然景观) and man-made environments (人文景观). More formal and broader in scope than 风景.

Examples

1. 这座城市的滨江景观经过系统规划，成为了市民休闲的好去处。 The riverside landscape of this city was systematically planned, becoming a favourite leisure destination for residents.
2. 沙漠地区独特的地貌景观吸引了大批地理学研究者前来考察。 The unique geological landscape of desert regions has attracted large numbers of geography researchers to conduct fieldwork.
3. 建筑师在设计时充分考虑了建筑与周边自然景观的融合。 The architect gave full consideration to the integration of the building with the surrounding natural landscape during the design process.

Usage Guide

Context: architecture, tourism, urban planning, ecology

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这片湿地的生态景观十分壮观。(The ecological landscape of this wetland is magnificent.)
• 城市景观设计需要兼顾功能与美观。(Urban landscape design must balance function and aesthetics.)

Don't Say

• 这幅画的景观很好看。(For a painting, use 画面 or 风景 — 景观 refers to real-world environments, not artworks)

Origin & History

景 (scene, scenery) + 观 (observe, view). Together: the view one observes. Originally a classical term meaning 'view of the scenery'; now a formal term in landscape architecture and environmental planning.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal