Memory of the World; 2012 - unesdoc - Unesco

� An example of an architectural plan in the Yangshi Lei Archives.
282 Qing dynasty Yangshi Lei archives
The documents reveal the entire process by which
structures were built, from selection of sites through
construction and maintenance. Documentation of such
scale, completeness and systematization is very rare in the
world. Qing-era structures that have been preserved to this
day are the best examples of Qing architecture and the
archives show the entire process by which locations were
selected, plans were drawn up and repeatedly altered, and
how construction was finally carried out. No other resource
is available to provide this historical information as well as
information on lost classical structures like the Yuanming
Yuan, the Old Summer Palace outside Beijing, destroyed
by British and French soldiers in 1860.
Most of the archives concern extant structures, providing
unparalleled insight into Chinese architectural history,
traditional architectural planning, engineering and
principles of design, as well as incomparable resources
in helping with restoration projects. At the same time,
they provide further insights into understanding of Qing
society, economics, culture, aesthetics and philosophies.