Few world cities have a record as long, as fascinating, or as well-documented as Beijing's. A capital almost continuously for more than a thousand years, the city has been Khubilai Khan's Mongol headquarters, home to emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties, and the main stage for Communist-era achievements and upheavals. Beijing is the first book in English to trace this vibrant city's history from its earliest days to the present. It highlights recent changes in the city as its more than fifteen million people live through record-level economic growth and intensive preparations for the 2008 Olympics. Focusing on the lives of ordinary residents and rulers alike, the authors examine the controversial destruction of historic districts as well as the construction of new residential and business districts and Olympic venues. Extensive photographs and paintings, many not previously published, offer a window onto Beijing not only in major phases of its past, but also in its startlingly different present. Compelling and revealing, Beijing arrives just in time for the city's turn in the Olympic spotlight.

About the Author
LILLIAN M. LI is professor of history at Swarthmore College, USA. ALISON J. DRAY-NOVEY is professor of history at the College of Notre Dame of Maryland, USA. HAILI KONG is professor of Chinese language, literature, and film at Swarthmore College, USA.


Book Information
ISBN 9780230605275
Author Lillian M. Li
Format Paperback
Page Count 368
Imprint Palgrave Macmillan
Publisher Palgrave Macmillan
Weight(grams) 439g
Dimensions(mm) 233mm * 155mm * 24mm