ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the diffuse dispersed and non-directional features of atmosphere, not confined to a reading of ambient power but also with concern for how immaterial atmosphere affects and regulate people's behaviour, and how power emanates from (non)human actors. It examines the construction of Lishui Barbizon as a cultural city constituted through affective atmosphere and moral governance. The chapter shows how the Chinese state does not govern solely through cohesive force, but through constructing moral-value-laden environments and forging affective power. It examines how the affective atmosphere of Lishui Barbizon has 'taken hold and become infectious', felt as well as performed to forge identity and bounded community. Urbanisation follows an alternative path than many Chinese coastal cities. Such 'picturesque' urbanism, excluding the otherwise ceaseless urbanisation process that dominates elsewhere, freezing the city in a historical moment. Underpins the local government's strategy towards being a 'cultural city' reliant on tourism.
