Until 2019, among those 55 listed World Heritage Sites in China, more than 17 sites are classical architecture and gardens, accounting about 30% in the list. In this respect, classical architecture and gardens are significant representations of history, civilization and culture of the country. This course examines important architectural works that were declared World Heritage Sites in China such as the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Imperial Tombs of Ming dynasty, Confucius Temple, Suzhou Gardens, etc., and analyses different building typologies, functions, spaces, technologies and architectural expressions in terms of palaces, temples, vernacular houses and landscape gardens. Students will be guided to explore how classical architecture and gardens relate to natural environment, national history, ancient society, traditional culture and technology, as well as principles and methods of World Heritage preservation.