The Archaeological Studies of Chinese Palaces

This book presents a systematic, authoritative, and in-depth exploration of the archaeological restoration and historical evolution of Chinese palace architecture, drawing on methodologies from archaeology, history, and architecture. It fills the gap left by the scarcity of architectural remains and research predating the Tang dynasty, reinforces the foundations of Chinese architectural archaeology, and introduces innovative theoretical perspectives.

Adopting a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approach, the study synthesizes historical analysis with diverse technical approaches. It is further enriched by extensive charts and visual materials, which substantiate and contextualize the textual arguments, enhancing both scholarly rigor and readability. Notably, the work establishes the epistemological and methodological framework for ancient Chinese palace archaeology, delivering a systematic archaeological analysis of palace structures from the Stone Age through the late Qing dynasty.

Preface. - Introduction: An Overview of Palace Archaeology. - Chapter 1: The Predecessor to Palace and Sheji: The Great House and Kunlun in the Neolithic Age. - Chapter 2: On the Archetype of Palace: Huangdi s House Complex at Dadiwan F901. - Chapter 3: On the Primitive Palaces Unearthed in the Erlitou Site. - Chapter 4: The Palace of the Shang Capital Bo: Yanshi (Shixiang) Shang City Site I. - Chapter 5: The Palace of Zhengzhou Shang City Site. - Chapter 6: Temporary Palaces of the Late Yin Dynasty: The Yin Ruins in Xiaotun Village. - Chapter 7: Palace Architectures of Vassal States of the Yin/Shang Dynasty: Panlongcheng Site in Huangpi and Fengchu Site in Zhouyuan. - Chapter 8: The Shape and Structure of the Ming Tang of the Zhou Dynasty Inferred from Archaeological Materials. - Chapter 9: Remnants of Imperial Architecture in the Capital of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty. - Chapter 10: The Palace System of the Zhou Dynasty as Seen from the Palace Complex Sites in Capital Cities of Princedom States of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty. - Chapter 11: Beautiful Palaces on High Terraces of the Eastern Zhou States. - Chapter 12: Achievements in the Construction of Imperial Architecture of the Zhou Dynasty. - Chapter 13: The Majestic Palace Complex of the Qin Empire. - Chapter 14: Grandeur lies in magnificence Palaces of the Western Han Dynasty. - Chapter 15: The Palaces of the Nanyue King and Minyue King. - Chapter 16: The Palaces in Luoyang during the Eastern Han Dynasty. - Chapter 17: The Palaces of the Three Kingdoms and the Northern and Southern Dynasties. - Chapter 18: The Epoch-making Imperial Architecture of the Sui Dynasty. - Chapter 19: Palaces of the Tang Dynasty. - Chapter 20: Shangjing Palace of Bohai Kingdom. - Chapter 21: A Glimpse of Palaces of the Northern Song Dynasty from the Perspective of Image Material. - Chapter 22: Mausoleum Towers of Emperors of the Western Xia Regime. - Chapter 23: Palace Site of Middle Capital of the Yuan Dynasty. - Chapter 24: Palace Sites of Middle Capital and Nanjing of the Ming Dynasty. - Chapter 25: Side Arcades of Fengtian Hall of the Ming Dynasty in Beijing: Guard House in the Forbidden City in Beijing during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. - References. - Index.