The Author desires to express her indebtedness to the many friends, both foreign and Chinese, who have assisted her in collecting material for a new edition of Peking, or permitted the reproduction of their photographs, maps, and plans. Special thanks are due, and gratefully tendered to Mr. F. J. Chapman, of the American Legation, who kindly assisted in the preparation of the Chinese characters for the Index and the romanization of Chinese names throughout the text, to Baron de Stael-Holstein, Dr. J. C. Ferguson and other scholars who contributed valuable information from original sources. Also to her husband, Monsieur C. H. Lauru, whose inspiration and general help have made possible the revision of former editions of this book.

Step back in time to Beijing as it was in the 1920 s as Juliet Bredon guides the reader to a magnificent time of the past. The more one studies this fascinating city, old, proud and secretive, the more one realises the tantalizing difficulties of learning, even from the Chinese themselves, anything but the merest outline of its history and monuments, many of which are in existence today. Who can forget the soft enchantment of Buddhist temples, the green peace of tombs haunted by fearless things, doves that flutter down at call, fishes rising to be fed? Having lived in Peking Juliet can truly say that the more intimately the scenes of Peking become known, the more deeply they are engraved on the affections. From the Forbidden City to the Summer Palace, the Ming tombs, the Western Hills, and the Great Wall, Juliet Bredon provides a fascinating guide to the Peking of 1931, with a fascinating history told of this once walled city.

Juliet Bredon(? ~ 1937) who was British,her father was Robert E.Bredon and uncle Lord hurd Sir Robert Hart who had been occupied an important position in China's customs agency. Juliet Bredon spent most of his life time in Beijing. She can speak a fluent Chinese, like to communicate with the local people of Beijing, familiar with the metropolis of every corner, every hutong and its social customs.