Looking at Beijing within the framework of trees, stone and water is a way of appreciating the city's heritage, based on a sPecial relationship of man and nature. In the process of exploring Beijing's ancient ruins, what I often found as markers of the past were a well or spring, a couple of gnarled pines and sometimes a stele or an abandoned stone cave. They took on the mantle of the sites' history.

It was these three aspects of nature that held Beijing's past. They helped me define and respond to the sites I was searching for. Often they maintained the atmosphere of these places, long after rituals there ceased. They also helped me remember one place from another and gave me their energy. Moreover, they led me to the people of Beijing, who readily shared their knowledge and stories.

Preface 5

Aged Trees as Living History 8

Introduction 12

Pairs of Trees Welcome Visitors 24

Lone Sentinels of the Past 34

Beijing's Oldest Trees 42

Along the Old Pilgrim Paths 52

Time Capsules 58

Trees Left at Former Imperial Villas 72

Grave Markers 78

Nicknames 82

Decorating Trees 92

Trees in Jeopardy lOO

Planting of New Trees lo8

Stone Reflections of the Past

Introduction 122

Beijing's Ancient Stone Villages 132

Surviving Steles 14o

Stones and Temples 152

Stone Bridges 166

Stone Animals 174

Stone Paths 188

Buddhas of Stone 198

Stone and the Environment 212

Nourishing Water Resources 222

Introduction 926

Dragons and Fengshui 938

Surrounding Rivers 25o

Lakes and Imperial Gardens 26o

A Few Old Wells 268

Refreshing Ancient Springs 976

Wandering along Historic Canals 992

Water Traces of Imperial Capitals 3oo

Precious Water Resources 31o

Epilogue 319

Chronology of Beijing History 322

Index of Place Names 323