This book presents a systematic, authoritative, and in-depth exploration of the archaeological restoration and historical evolution of Chinese palace architecture, drawing on methodologies from archaeology, history, and architecture. It fills the gap left by the scarcity of architectural remains and research predating the Tang dynasty, reinforces the foundations of Chinese architectural archaeology, and introduces innovative theoretical perspectives.

Adopting a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approach, the study synthesizes historical analysis with diverse technical approaches. It is further enriched by extensive charts and visual materials, which substantiate and contextualize the textual arguments, enhancing both scholarly rigor and readability. Notably, the work establishes the epistemological and methodological framework for ancient Chinese palace archaeology, delivering a systematic archaeological analysis of palace structures from the Stone Age through the late Qing dynasty.

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Yang Hongxun (1931-2016) was a Research Professor at the Institute of Archaeology, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences; the former President of the Architectural History Division of the Chinese Architectural Society; an Academician of the Russian Academy of Architectural Heritage; and UNESCO advisor. A preeminent architectural historian, archaeologist, and landscape scholar, he held visiting professorships at Kyoto University (Japan), National Taiwan University, Fudan University, and Tongji University. Renowned for pioneering contributions to China's architectural historiography, he is internationally celebrated as the founding figure of Chinese architectural archaeology.