本书以图文结合的方式对中国古代建筑的基本特征、主要工艺进行了介绍，比如，古建筑的屋顶主要有硬山式、悬山式、歇山式、庑殿式、攒尖式等；墙体有山墙、檐墙、槛墙、扇面墙、隔断墙等；古建筑的门有广亮大门、金柱大门、蛮子门、如意门、垂花门、乌头门、隔扇门等。同时，从巍巍古都城到传统民居，从寺、塔、园林到桥梁、长城，分门别类地展现了中国古代多样的建筑形式。比如佛塔有楼阁式、密檐式、亭阁式、覆钵式、花式等；桥梁有梁桥、吊桥、浮桥、握桥、拱桥、栈道桥等。充分地展现了中国传统建筑的工艺风采。

Wisdom of ancient capitals
Social class shown from the roof
Fancy ancient walls
Dougong, soul of Chinese architecture
Eye-catching doors and windows
Colorful paintings on architectures
Buddhist temples and their pagodas
Naturalistic gardens created by man
Diversified residential buildings
A dazzling array of bridges
A project for every emperor