Beijing: A Symmetrical City

by Dawu Yu

Overview

The first ever illustrated book for young readers based on the design philosophy and architectural details of Beijing, China-- one of the world s oldest cities, founded about the same time as Rome. This captivating read provides an immersive exploration into a unique city layout. This book shows architectural schema the South-North axis that was used to create that Chinese city. Perfect for both children and adults with an interest in historical architecture, multi-culture, Asian travel and beyond.

“The illustrations are breathtaking. Beautifully rendered drawings are a feast for the eyes.”——Kirkus Review

The layout of Beijing is deeply rooted in the ancient culture of China. Beijing: A Symmetrical City provides background on the architect and builders that changed the course of history, unearths ancient Chinese philosophy behind the symmetrical city layout, rooted in harmony, balance and order and highlights the historical significance of the names and placement of the most important buildings in the city.

Each page of this book features Fun Facts, providing knowledge overlooked not only by tourists, but also many residents of Beijing. Award-winning illustrator, and author Dawu Yu has created captivating images that highlight the little-known symmetry of one of the world’s most aesthetically pleasing cities. This book features gorgeous illustrations in typical Chinese style with abundant details, presents enjoyable minuteness of each drawing and creates the immerse feeling.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781949736038
Publisher:	1 Plus Books
Publication date:	06/15/2020
Pages:	42
Product dimensions:	8.70(w) x 11.10(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	9 - 12 Years

Editorial Reviews

The illustrations are breathtaking. Beautifully rendered drawings are a feast for the eyes.”——Kirkus Review

“This is an amazing and precious book I would certainly purchase for libraries, and for my friends, not only juniors, and most certainly for myself —— to bring it along while my family and I travel to Peking. The historical background of this grand metropolis, a 1000 years old capital of 5 dynasties, not only well written, beautifully illustrated, but also with a detailed analysis of its classical architectural design which is unique offering fascinating new insights.” ——Jan Hwang, Librarian of Seattle Asian Art Museum; Director of Chinese Collection of Bavarian State Library, Munich, Germany.

“I found the book delightful! The information gives the young people a real vision of this ancient city, and I wish I had read it before I visited Beijing in 1995! Loved all the drawings!” —— Marsha Gilpatrick, retired elementary school principal, California

“The book was very interesting to me. Quite a few times throughout the reading, I searched up some of the buildings because the descriptions were very intriguing.”—— Sophie Zhu, Senior in High School, California

“A really neat book detailing the architecture and history of Beijing. This book contains gorgeous drawings and is extremely informative without being too dense. I would recommend this for children age 8 and older, specifically ones who are interested in architecture.” ——Mara Lyons (NetGalley)

As you're reading it, you're given directions that make you feel like you are right there walking around with the author. —— Andrea Coventry (NetGalley)

A city filled with mystical sounding gates and doors -- the Forever Stable Gate, Positive Yang Gate, the Long-Lasting Safety Right Gate, the Great Qing Gate, and a great deal more -- is all here to intrigue and mystify and elucidate…This is one of those pictorial sorts of diagram historical place books, but instead of the common places, here's a place traditionally kept more veiled, finally open to peer deeply inside ——Kat Caric (Netgalley)

Really enjoy this book, it feels like you're being transported to Beijing, and going on a tour in that old times. A must read book before you land first on the city itself, or even bring it with you so you can relive those emperor eras while walking around. Or like me, enjoy the book and dreaming while stay at home. ——Jo Clairefontaine (Netgalley )

Beautifully illustrated book about Beijing. It’s easy to read and entertaining. I shared this with my toddlers and they were in awe to see such landscapes. Highly recommend for anyone of any age, for travelers and those just wanting to escape and learn.
——Risse T (Netgalley )

From the Publisher

2019-12-29
Part architectural tour, part intro to Chinese history and culture, this book showcases one of China's most famous landmarks.

Beijing is one of the world's oldest cities, and its architectural layout was begun during the Yuan dynasty in the 13th century. It was further developed during the Ming (14th to 17th centuries) and Qing dynasties (17th to 20th centuries). This book showcases Beijing as it was during the Qing period, China's last royal dynasty. Like many traditional Chinese cities, Beijing was built symmetrically, with a central axis that forms its backbone. Major buildings were placed on either side of the axis, with the Imperial Palace, also known as the Forbidden City, at the center. Yu takes readers on a walking tour along the nearly 5-mile-long central axis, starting at the south end of the city and ending in the north. Stops include old Beijing's business district, Tiananmen Square, and the Hall of Supreme Harmony, where business, official ceremonies, and banquets took (and still take) place. Colorful, finely detailed illustrations are placed, often symmetrically, over double-page spreads; one double gatefold depicts the Forbidden City's grand architecture. The illustrations are breathtaking, but unfortunately, the text is not. Readers learn that on either side of the central axis, "buildings share the same color scheme and style but differ in size and height." The author tries to liven up the somewhat dry descriptions and recitation of historical facts with sidebars of "Fun Facts" and "Knowledge Tips," but the small, dense text, set in italicized, low-contrast, brown type, can be a chore to read.

Beautifully rendered drawings are a feast for the eyes, but engaging historical context is lacking. (timeline, glossary, afterword, bibliography) (Nonfiction. 10-14)

Kirkus Reviews