本书以简要文字和大量精美图片，宣传、介绍了我国东南沿海重要的文物古迹，也是福建省内规模最大的佛教寺院泉州开元寺的寺名来历、历史、布局、建筑风格及演变发展、寺院建筑整体的定型、寺院中的镇国塔、仁寿塔、寺院的紫云大殿、甘露戒坛等。本书可供建筑师，及国内广大读者和国外读者阅读、参考。

I.Starting from Lotus Enlightenment Platform
II.Development of the Monastic Complex
III.Shaping of the Monastic Complex
IV.Zhenguo,East Pagoda
V.Renshou,West Pagoda
VI.Architectural Achievements of the Twin Pagodas
VII.Magnificent Ziyun Palace
VIII.Ingenious Sweet Dew Ordination Altar
IX.Exoticism
X.A Perch for Many Eminent Monks
Chronology of Significant Events