Traditional Architectural Culture of China

By Lou Qingxi

Translated by Su Guang

China Travel and Tourism Press

332pp.      Paperback    200 color illustrations

In world history, China, Greece, Egypt, and Rome have all created great ancient civilizations and their forefathers left behind numerous architectural relics, including Imperial palaces and tombs, temples and churches, gardens and official references, monumental tablets and triumphant arches. In this splendid book, historian Lou Qingxi, a noted scholar, examines nearly 5,000 years of Chinese history and establishes the differences in Chinese and Eastern cultures from those in the West or Middle East. 

Traditional Architectural Culture of China records the country’s architectural history, while simultaneously chronicling the concurrent politics, history, art and culture, and the science and technology of particular regions and provinces.  It quickly establishes China’s unique identity and gives historical facts and stunning color photographs on many of China’s ancient wonders, including the Forbidden City, the Thirteen Ming Tombs, The Temple of Heaven, as well as the detailed information on their construction.  It is an illuminating tour that explores the material and spiritual characteristics of the Chinese unique symbols and landmarks.