AUTHORS PREFACEINTRODUCTIONA CRADLE OF CHINESE CMLIZATION Physical Features of the Beijing Area Dawn of the Stone AgeTHE BRILLIANCE OF ANCIENT YAN CMLIZATION Bronze Civilization Ji-Capital of the State of YanIMPORTANT STRONGHOLD UNDER THE QIN,HAN, SHI, AND TANG DYNASTIES North China Stronghold Capital of Three Yan RegimesTHE ETHNIC MINORITIES MAKE BEIJING THEIR CAPITAL Southern Capital Under the Liao Dynasty Middle Capital Under the Jurchen DynastyCAMBALUC OF THE MONGOL EMPIRE The Great Capital of Kublai Khan Some Features of Dadu Flourishing Commerce Science, Technology and Culture Cultural Exchange with Other CountriesBEIJING UNDER THE MING AND QING DYNASTIES The City and the Palaces The Four City Walls The Forbidden City: Layout and Philosophy Imperial Gardens Gardens Within the Forbidden City Other Imperial Gardens and Parks The Three Scenic Hills and Five Gardens The Life of Emperors and Empresses Ascending the Throne The Royal Wedding Administration of the Empire The Worship of Gods The Emperors Studies Life Style Imperial Mausoleums Culture and Art Education Science and Technology Literature Drama Compilation of Books Painting Calligraphy Special Handicrafts Porcelain The "Square Courtyards". The Separate Communities The Business District Outside the Three Front Gates The Mansions of Princes Beijings Residential Courtyards The Life and Customs of Beijings ResidentsA Brief Chronology of BeijingA Brief Chronology of Yuan, Ming, and Qing DynastiesEpilogue