The emergence of the city marks the beginning of a civilisation. The city, especially the leading cities of a country, is also where the major features of a country are contained and where historical events play out. This book introduces readers to the progress of China's civilisation over more than 5000 years of history, through the rise and development of its cities.
From the prehistoric Yangshuo and Longshan periods all the way to the People's Republic, this book outlines major events and developments to highlight the evolution of the Chinese civilisation. Using historical dynasties and urban dynamics as vertical dimensions, it examines major historical events, economic developments, territorial changes, and other developments over China's long history. It also discusses the uniqueness of China's history and compares its civilisations to Western experiences.
Sample Chapter(s)
Preface
Introduction: Civilisation, City, History, and Chinese Characteristics
Contents:
- About the Author
- Preface
- Introduction: Civilisation, City, History, and Chinese Characteristics
- China's Urban Civilisation: Origin and Stages of Development
- From Village to Proto-cities of Late Yangshao Period
- Longshan: Early City-states
- Xia Dynasty: Civilisation in the Early Bronze Age
- Shang Urbanism at the Climax of Bronze Metallurgy
- Matured Canons, Laws, and Institutions: Zhou Dynasty and the Warring States
- Qin and Han: Centralised Territorial State and the Administrative City
- Tang: Golden Age of the Confucian Model
- Song Renaissance and the New Urbanity
- Ming Dynasty: Reconstruction of Chinese Civilisation after the Yuan
- Qing China: From Neo-Confucianism to Confrontation with the West
- People's Republic: Chinese Civilisation with Socialist Approach
- Message from the Evolution of China's Urban Civilisation
- References
- Index
Readership: Graduates and undergraduates in history, culture and urban studies; businesses interested in the China Market; tourists interested in visiting China.
Victor Fung Shuen Sit was professor of Geography and Head of Department of Geography and Geology, University of Hong Kong, 1977 to 2007, and founding director of the Advanced Institute for Contemporary China Studies of Hong Kong Baptist University, 2008 to 2013. He obtained his BA (Hon) and MA from the University of Hong Kong, and his PhD from the London School of Economics and Political Science, United Kingdom. He serves as Honorary Professor of a number of renowned universities in China, including Peking University, Zhongshan University, Jinan University and Xian Jiaotung University, and as advisor of several firms in the energy and aviation industries. He also served as a Deputy of the National People's Congress of the PRC (1993–2008), as advisor to the Governor of Guangdong (2000–2005).
Professor Sit has published a number of papers and books on Hong Kong and Macau, urban studies, Chinese cities, western urban history and civilisations, and on small industries, airports and development strategies. He is currently researching China's Belt and Road Initiative, urbanization in China, and the impact of the global aviation industry on the global economy.