本书简介大紫禁城的总体结构图，英文版，内容清楚。图与文相结合，易懂。

The Forbidden City (Zijincheng) stands proud to welcome the morning sun and The Hall of Supreme Harmony (Taihedian) bathes in the light of dawn.
The Imperial Palace (Gugorig) in The Forbidden City in Beijing is well preserved. It is the largest architectural complex of imperial palaces, not only in China, but in the world.
It is situated in the middle of the 7.8-kilometer axis passing through Beijing, a world famous old capital, renowned for its revered status in history, art and science. Hence, it has long been listed in the first group of State Cultural Relics Preservation Units and the List of the First Group of World Cultural Heritage of China.
Numerous books and articles with different viewpoints have been written about The Imperial Palace. However, The Grand Forbidden City — The Imperial Axis is the only book written with a focus on history, culture and architecture, and in a language complemented by architectural diagrams. A piece of research that reads well and makes use of diagrams and pictures to portray the history, culture and architectural art of The Imperial Palace in The Forbidden City is a rare find and this book is a delightful creation.
Using exciting illustrations and clear language to depict a study of architecture is a very important technique in presentation. Personally, I particularly admire this style.
65 years ago when I was first admitted to The Construction School of China, I benefited a lot through reading the illustrated Standards and Rules of The Qing Style of Construction [in Chinese], written by my amazing teachers, Liang Ssu Cheng and Lin Hui Yin. During that time, Mr. Liang edited the book A Pictorial History of Chinese Architecture [in English]. It was well received by experts, scholars and wide spectrum of readers.
Mr. Chiu Kwong Chiu has excelled himself once again producing The Grand Forbidden City — The Imperial Axis [in Chinese] after publishing his other works. Beyond Chinese Wooden Architecture [in Chinese] and Running Notes on Qingming Shanghe Tu [in Chinese], both demonstrate the unique writing style of Mr. Chiu. His tremendous contribution to the research and promotion of The Imperial Palace of The Forbidden City is undeniable. Also, his insight into the topic has acted as a catalyst in discussions and promotions regarding other historic building relics. It was a great pleasure to read Mr. Chiu's book and it was an honour to be asked to write the preface for it. Many congratulations on the publication of this sensational title!
LUO ZHEWEN
Senior Engineer (Professorial Grade)
Chief of the Experts Group on Historical Buildings
State Cultural Relics Bureau

Prologue
Background
Materials
The Sacred Axis
Five Gates and Three Courts for the Son of Heaven
The Meridian Gate （Wumen）
The Corner Tower （Jiaolou）
The Gate of Surpreme Harmony Square
（Taihemen Guangchang）
The Hall of Supreme Harmony Square
（Taihedian Guangchang）
A Glimpse of Palatial Decorations within
The Hall of Supreme Harnony （Taihedian）
Accompaniment for Ceremonies
The Three Large Halls under the Sky
The Hall of Supreme Harmony （Taihedian）
Colors
The Roofs
Between The Outer Court （Waichao） and
The Inner Court （Neichao）
Office of The Grand Council of State （Juryichu）
The Hall of Mental Cultivation （Yangxindian）
The Three Palaces of The Inner Court （Neichao）
The Six Eastern and Western Palaces （Dongxiliugong） and The Imperial Garden（Yuhuayuan）
The Imperial Garden （Yuhuayuan）
Epilogue
Acknowledgement
References
……

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