Beijing: From Imperial Capital to Olympic City

From its founding to its current attempts to be recognized as a major international city, the history of Beijing is a fascinating journey. Three experts in Chinese history take readers along for the ride, showing the city's evolution from Kublai Khan's seat of power to the capital of the Ming Dynasty up to today. Beijing explores how the city is adjusting to the skyrocketing growth of the Chinese economy and its preparations for the 2008 Summer Olympics. The authors highlight the controversial destruction of Beijing's historic districts and the construction of Olympic venues. Vivid maps, paintings, and photographs detail the more than 600-year evolution of this unique and vibrant city.

Lillian M. Li is Professor of History, Swarthmore College.  Alison J. Dray-Novey is Professor of History, College of Notre Dame of Maryland.  Haili Kong is Professor of Chinese Language, Literature, and Film, Swarthmore College.