Recently, the first set of the "Ancient Architecture Map" series, jointly planned and compiled by China Resources Snow Breweries and the School of Architecture at Tsinghua University, has been officially published and is expected to hit the market by the end of this year. This set of "Five Map Books" includes five volumes: the "Ancient Architecture Map of Zhejiang," the "Ancient Architecture Map of Fujian," the "Ancient Architecture Map of Anhui," the "Ancient Architecture Map of Jiangsu and Shanghai," and the "Ancient Architecture Map of Guangdong and Hainan." Together, they contain over 6.3 million characters. Compiled by experts and scholars from institutions such as the School of Architecture at Tsinghua University over the course of more than a year, the books cover nearly 1,800 ancient architectural sites across the seven provinces/cities. Each volume includes over 1,000 high-quality photos and illustrations, providing not only detailed information on existing ancient buildings, corresponding architectural history knowledge systems, real-scene images, and geographical locations, but also practical details such as local transportation and contact information.
It is understood that this set of "Five Map Books" serves as the first installment in the "Ancient Architecture Map" series, and also marks the sixth set in the "Chinese Ancient Architecture Knowledge Popularization and Inheritance Series" jointly published by Snow and Tsinghua University. Snow Breweries and the School of Architecture at Tsinghua University plan to systematically sort through key ancient architectural remains and cultural heritage across the country, organized by provincial administrative regions, over the course of five years. The goal is to complete a total of five sets and twenty-five volumes of the Chinese Ancient Architecture Atlas, which will comprehensively cover all important existing ancient architecture in 33 provinces, municipalities, autonomous regions, and the two special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau, excluding Beijing. Through rich prose, rigorous scholarship, detailed accounts, and a large number of exclusively photographed real-scene images, the series will conduct a systematic and thorough review and inventory of China’s surviving ancient architecture. It will also explore the historical, humanistic, and ideological contexts embodied in traditional architecture. With this series, readers can not only appreciate a vivid, three-dimensional cultural tapestry centered around architecture, but also use the maps to guide their travels, personally experiencing the charm of China’s ancient architectural treasures.
Why is Beijing missing from this set? That’s because as early as 2009, the first volume of the "Beijing Ancient Architecture Map" was released to readers as part of the "Five Books on Beijing." By 2011, the complete set consisting of upper, middle, and lower volumes was available. The "Beijing Ancient Architecture Map" features about 500 ancient buildings in the capital. The upper volume covers historic relics within the Second Ring Road (i.e., inside the Ming and Qing city walls), while the middle and lower volumes compile well-preserved, high-value traditional buildings located beyond the Second Ring Road and extending to the outer suburbs. The coverage of the three volumes gradually expands outward from central Beijing, clearly and progressively encompassing almost all major ancient structures.Since its publication, the "Beijing Ancient Architecture Map" has won multiple awards, including the "China Architecture Book Award," and has been hailed as "a toolbook based on maps that combines professional standards with practicality, created for those who love Beijing and ancient Chinese architectural culture."
Now, the nationwide "Ancient Architecture Map" series jointly launched by Snow Breweries and Tsinghua University is undoubtedly even more anticipated. Find the ancient architecture map of the province or city you’re most interested in, take it with you to explore historical charm and local life, experience the distinct styles of different eras and types of architecture, and immerse yourself in the genuine sentiments that transcend time and space—surely a delight for both researchers and travelers.
After the release of the "Five-Volume Ancient Architecture Map of China," the books will be available in physical bookstores and online channels. Snow Breweries will also donate copies to selected public libraries and university libraries, enabling more people to benefit from them and experience the charm of Chinese ancient architectural culture.
Background Information:
In 2008, Snow Breweries and the School of Architecture at Tsinghua University jointly launched the “Popularization and Inheritance – China Ancient Architecture Research and Dissemination Cooperation Project.” By the end of 2015, the two parties had co-published six sets and 36 volumes of the "Chinese Ancient Architecture Knowledge Popularization and Inheritance Series," with cumulative sales exceeding 400,000 copies. They also donated over 200,000 books to public libraries, university libraries, related ancient architecture management units, and research institutions across the country, promoting the inheritance and popularization of Chinese ancient architectural culture. A significant portion of readers have become loyal fans of the series.
In addition, Snow also planned and funded the production of the documentary "Chinese Ancient Architecture," which aired on CCTV and various local TV stations. The "Snow Pure Craftsmanship Creates" Chinese Ancient Architecture Photography Competition, centered on photographing Chinese ancient architecture and architectural details, has also been successfully held for seven consecutive sessions. It has collected over 6.7 million works and attracted participation from more than 3.6 million people, making it one of the largest and most influential photography competitions in China. In 2013 and 2015, award-winning works from the competition were also exhibited abroad in Russia and the United States, not only promoting Chinese ancient architecture to the general international public, but also receiving high praise from international experts in ancient architecture.
