Ronald G. Knapp has been carrying out research on cultural and historical geography in China's countryside since 1965. Currently SUNY Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the State University of New York, New Paltz, he is the author, contributing author, or editor of twenty books, including the award-winning Chinese Houses: The Architectural Heritage of a Nation and Chinese Houses of Southeast Asia: The Eclectic Architecture of Sojourners and Settlers.
A. Chester Ong, born in the Philippines and currently based in Hong Kong, has photographed widely throughout Asia. His works appear in magazines, exhibitions, and books, including China Modern, Chinese Houses, China Living and Chinese Houses of Southeast Asia.