History Research on the Urbanization of Rural Areas in Jiangnan

Author: Chen Guocan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-05-01
Features: This book systematically examines and analyzes the urban development processes in the Jiangnan region during three periods—Song, Yuan, Ming, Qing, and modern times (before the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949)—as well as the rural urbanization phenomenon it triggered. It focuses on exploring the driving forces and influencing factors of rural urbanization in different historical periods, the development status of towns and rural social changes, and the regional patterns and development levels of rural urbanization. Based on the practical need to explore a Chinese path to urbanization, the author employs an interdisciplinary approach for a retrospective study, paying particular attention to the alignment between urban forms and social development, as well as the changes across different periods. This enables the classification of rural urbanization into stages and the summarization of its characteristics. Additionally, the author provides theoretical reflections on the historical development, offering new insights and perspectives.