Mapping Transformation of Nineteenth-Century Chinese Cities within China’s Incorporation Process

Sung Hee Ru, Binghamton University, State University of New York (SUNY)

During the 19th century, China’s socioeconomic geography experienced unprecedented spatial changes. Through these spatial transformations, which were caused by the penetration of western capitalism, Chinese cities morphed into epicenters of uneven international trade between Western powers and China. These geographical changes also played a significant role in the establishment of economically advanced cities within the broader special economic zone concept and China’s Deng and post-Deng era economic development. By examining the major transformations having taken place in 19th century Chinese cities, I investigate unexplained or neglected transformations in three areas: (1) the decline of interdependent inland cities connected by waterways; (2) the simultaneous rise of independent port cities under the influence of the capitalist world economy; and (3) the forging of port city–hinterland relationships in connection with the world economy. It helps to understand the role that port cities have played in the development of China’s historical capitalism.

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 Presented in Session 105. Emerging Methods: Historical Cartography