A History of Chinese Architecture

Culture & civilization of China

The Culture & Civilization of China series is a joint publishing venture of Yale University Press and the China International Publishing Group in Beijing.

Comprehensive study of Chinese architecture

This lavishly illustrated book is a comprehensive and authoritative study of Chinese architecture from Neolithic times through the late nineteenth century. Six of China's greatest architectural historians have joined with a leading Western scholar to write this book, the first in-depth, collaborative history of Chinese architecture in more than fifty years.

Discoveries and current scholarly work

Drawing on recent discoveries and current scholarly work inside China, this handsome volume recounts the story of China's architectural achievements, the forms they took, and the historical, political, cultural, and social factors that shaped them. Each chapter includes sections on cities, palatial architecture, religious architecture, tombs, and gardens as well as discussions of bridges, walls, fortifications, academies, and architectural writings.

Color plates and line drawings

Amply enhanced with color plates and line drawings - many of which are reproduced here for the first time - explanatory maps and charts, and an index that includes Chinese terms, the book will be an invaluable and accessible resource for both scholars of China and visitors to China alike.

Nancy S. Steinhardt and Fu Xinian

Nancy S. Steinhardt is a professor in the department of Asian and Middle Eastern studies at the University of Pennsylvania and curator of Chinese art at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. Fu Xinian is professor of architecture at the Institute of Architectural History and the China Building Technology Development Center.