Imperial City Annals

Author: Liu Jianbin / Li Haodong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-12-01
Features: Palaces and imperial residences are the living and recreational offices of emperors throughout the dynasties, commonly known as imperial palaces. From the Liao, Jin, and Ming-Qing dynasties, palaces were gradually integrated with cities organically, forming new architectural complexes where palaces rely on cities and cities revolve around palaces, known as the Imperial City. As a symbol of the emperor's majesty and power, the Imperial City has always been of great importance and represents the highest level of architectural form. Characterized by its grandeur, spaciousness, and magnificence, it stands as a glorious chapter in the history of ancient Chinese architecture. This book begins with the architectural layout and historical remains of the Imperial City in the Liao auxiliary capital, introducing the Jurchen Zhongdu, Yuan Dadu, and the Ming-Qing Beijing Imperial City in a concise and accessible manner, covering aspects such as government offices, residences, temples, monasteries, gardens, streets, rivers and lakes, bridges, and interesting anecdotes. From the poetic and picturesque grandeur of the imperial capital's layout and the intricate and vivid legends, one can observe the profound historical charm of the Chinese nation, showcasing the wisdom crystallized by ancient laborers in spiritual civilization, science and technology, and architectural art. This provides fresh and vivid materials for further research and exploration of the mysteries of the Imperial City.