Foreword Xu Chengbei 3
Chapter1 Entering Beijing 3
An Old City Covered with the Dust of Ages 3
Surviving Towers 13
Chapter2 Capital of the Empire 23
The Eternal Axis 23
A Symmetrical Imperial City 31
Traces Left by the Sons of Heaven 37
Overlooking Central China 41
Imperial Air Must not Be Leaked out 53
Chapter3 The Fall of the Dynasty 63
Yuan Ming Yuan in Its Last Days 63
The Qing Emperor Learned A New word: Concession 71
Chapter4 streets and Alleys 81
Old Archways in Photos 81
Hutongs 85
Step by Step, Just No Hurry 95
Chapter5 Morning Bell and Evening Drum 107
Wordless Sound 107
Religion, A Walking-stick for the Ruler 117
Coexistence of Buddhism. Taoism and Confucianism 121
Women of Gentle Character and Men With A Sense of Justice 127
Chapter6 Temple Fairs and Theaters 135
Childhood Dreams 135
Theatre. Opera Stars and Fans 149
Lamentation 159
Chapter7 Subordinates of the Capital 167
Minced Sheep Offal and Salty Pepper 167
Clothes, Food, Housing and Traffic 175
Beijingers of the Past Seen in Photos 195
Chapter8 A Picture of secular Life 209
A Place of Significant Events 209
Three Festivals in the Capital 221
Awning, Fish Pot and Pomegranates, Chef.Fat Dog and Plump Girl 231