The sophistication of ancient Chinese architecture gives it a special place within the architecture of the world. There are magnificent imperial palaces, solemn and breathtaking imperial tombs,mysterious sacrificial and ancestral altars and temples as well asa variety of vernacular dwellings of natural simplicity. Religious buildings are dotted about the country, with a riotous profusion of Buddhist, Taoist and Islamic temples or mosques. On top of all this, city walls and fortifications, civic buildings for miscellaneous purposes are rich in variety and form impressive landmarks.The exceptional series offers wide coverage of themes pertaining to all aspects of Chinese architecture and is unrivaled both for its extensiveness and accuracy as well as for the presentation of the material.

About Author
Wei Ran，Born in Shanghai in 1951, Wei Ran entered the China Architecture & Building Press in 1997 and was responsible for the editing and photography of works on architecture. He is a director of an editorial department.A member of the Beijing Science and Technology Video Association, Wei Ran has been involved in the editing, photography and design of the following books:Ancient Architecture in Chengde, Explanatory Notes on a Treatise on Architectural Methods, Art of Chinese Gardens, A Tourist Guide to Chinese Architecture,Confucian Temple Architecture in Qufu, Old Summer Palaces, Top Grade Projects in Beijing and others