Architecture of Beijing

Beijing stands as one of China's six great ancient capitals, with its architectural heritage spanning over a millennium. The city's evolution from the Liao dynasty (907–1125) to modern times reflects significant shifts in political power and cultural identity, particularly during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Key architectural landmarks, such as the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, exemplify its late imperial to modern period significance. This study synthesizes historical records, including local gazetteers, to trace Beijing's urban development and architectural evolution, providing insights into its cultural and political transformations. The research leverages dispersed literary sources on Chinese architecture, focusing on specific dynasties, periods, or typologies, while also examining significant buildings and complexes that define the city's identity.

Yu, S. (2022). Architecture of Beijing. Oxford Bibliographies in Architecture, Planning, and Preservation. https://doi.org/10.1093/obo/9780190922467-0067