July 1, 2012

The art of architectureprovides an accurate reflection ofevery nations uniqueness. Chinese architecture is thecrystallization of Chinese civilization, and one of the worlds three major building systems to have arisen among the different cultures of the world, along with those embodied inWestern and Islamic buildings. As the only building system mainly based on wooden structures and on traditional Chinese culture, Chinese architecture has always preservedits own distinctivecharacteristics. However, the architectural traditions of Chinese ethnic minoritiesalso displayspecificattributes. Through its selection of the most representative buildings in each historical period of China,this bookopens a window for foreign readers interested in learning more about the Chinese traditions in this particular field.