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The Cities of Song China II

Urban Developments

Bao Weimin

$305

Hardback

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English
Routledge
25 June 2025
The second volume of the two-volume set on Song Dynasty cities focuses on municipal development policies and population management strategies in urban areas.

It examines the government's responses to the challenges posed by rapid urban expansion during the Song Dynasty, such as encroachment on public space, inadequate sanitation, and neglect of urban facilities. It shows how these challenges acted as catalysts for urban innovation, while highlighting the fundamental tension between cities' aspirations for autonomous growth and the need to maintain imperial order. The volume explores the contributions of charitable organizations and religious groups to urban governance. It also discusses viable methods for estimating urban populations from historical and literary sources in the absence of accurate demographic data.

This volume will be essential reading for scholars and students of Chinese history and urban studies, as well as urban planners, historians, and policy-makers interested in understanding historical approaches to urban development and management.
By:  
Imprint:   Routledge
Country of Publication:   United Kingdom
Dimensions:   Height: 234mm,  Width: 156mm, 
Weight:   560g
ISBN:   9781032666921
ISBN 10:   1032666927
Series:   China Perspectives
Pages:   212
Publication Date:  
Audience:   General/trade ,  College/higher education ,  Professional and scholarly ,  ELT Advanced ,  Primary
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
1. Urban Tax System 2. Municipal Construction 3. Demographic Imagery 4. Urban Culture 5. The Development Bottleneck 6. Conclusion

Bao Weimin is Professor at the School of History, Renmin University of China. His research focuses on the history of the Song Dynasty, traditional Chinese economic history, and the history of the China’s Southeast region.

Reviews for The Cities of Song China II: Urban Developments

“The Cities of Song China by Bao Weimin, the foremost socioeconomic historian of China’s middle period, will be essential reading for students of China’s history and urban history. It is a masterful achievement.” Peter K. Bol, Professor of East Asian Languages and Civilizations at Harvard University, US “One of the pioneers of modern Song studies, Bao Weimin’s pioneering 2014 study of Song urbanization surveyed and updated the state of the field, detailing the nature and scope, urban administration, markets, tax structure, construction, population, and the culture of medieval Chinese cities, an altogether monumental achievement now available in a meticulous English translation.” Charles Hartman, Professor of Chinese Studies, University of Albany, US “In the field of history, the study of cities holds a significant position. Cities serve as the epicenter of political, economic, and social activities, where people's lives converge. The rapid evolution of the urban landscape is a crucial aspect of the social transition during the Tang and Song dynasties. This book provides a comprehensive overview and insightful critique of previous research; it stands as a successful example of urban history scholarship, characterized by its eloquent writing and fresh perspectives. The book outlines the urban management system, vibrant social dynamics, the development of both refined and popular culture, and the challenges faced in urban construction during the Song Dynasty. It provides a rich, in-depth, and original discussion of the characteristics and trends of this period.” Deng Xiaonan, Professor of Chinese History, Peking University, China


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