Chinese Bridges

by Ronald G Knapp

Published 1 July 1993
Bridges, the least known and understood of China's many wonders, are one of its most striking and resilient feats of architectural prowess.

Chinese Bridges brings together a thorough look at the marvels of Chinese bridge design from one of the world's leading experts on Chinese culture and historical geography, Ronald G. Knapp. While many consider bridges to be merely utilitarian civil engineering, the bridges of China move beyond that stereotype, as many are undeniably dramatic, even majestic and daring. Chinese Bridges illustrates in detail 20 well-preserved ancient bridges along with descriptions and essays on the distinctive architectural elements shared by the various designs.

For the first time in an English-language book, Chinese Bridges records scores of newly discovered bridges across China's vast landscape, illustrated with over 400 color photographs, as well as woodblock prints, historical images, paintings and line drawings.


The Chinese House

by Ronald G Knapp

Published 7 February 1991

China's Walled Cities

by Ronald G Knapp

Published 1 November 2000
Contemporary Chinese cities often seem mere jumbles of competing elements, but beneath that superficial disorder whispers an orderliness linking heaven, earth, and humankind. Featuring extended explorations of Chang'an and Xi'an, Beijing, Nanjing, and the recently preserved city of Pingyao, this text brings this cosmic order to light.