This comprehensive overview of the modern Chinese economy by a noted expert from China offers a quality and breadth of coverage. In this book, the author provides an introduction to China's economy since 1949 and original insights based on his own extensive research. The book sets out to analyze and compare the operational mechanisms of the Chinese economy between the pre- and post-reform periods and through national, regional and local dimensions. Both positive and negative consequences of the Chinese economic transformation have been clarified. A multiregional comparison of the Chinese economy is conducted in terms of natural and human resources, institutional evolution, as well as economic and social performances. At last, some key issues relating to the inherent operational mechanisms of and the dynamic patterns of the Chinese economy are also discussed.

List of figures ixList of tables ixList of abbreviations xAcknowledgments xiNotes from the author xiiiChapter 1: A brief history of China 1The origins of the nation 2Rise and fall of the empire 4China in the new millennium 11Chapter 2: Spatial and administrative divisions 15Administrative divisions 16Great regions 20Geographical belts 21Southern and northern parts 23Ethno-cultural areas 24Chapter 3: The foundation of the Chinese economy (I) 29Land and water 30Minerals and energy resources 35Environmental quality 42Policy implications 50Chapter 4: The foundation of the Chinese economy (II) 55Population 56Labor and education 61Technological innovation 67Cultural influence 70Chapter 5: Political and economic systems 79Party versus state 80State and market 84Market-oriented reform 89Enterprise management 92Finance and banking 99Future perspective 103Chapter 6: Economic growth and social justice 109Economic growth 110Regional economic differences 114How (un)equal is the Chinese society? 121Poverty and social security 125Chapter 7: International economic engagement 129Historical background 130China opens its door 133Foreign direct investment 140Foreign trade 146Chapter 8: Studying Chinese economics: Key issues 153Why China has a collectivistic culture 154Why China adopted a gradual economic reform 160Why the Chinese economy cannot be spatially optimized 167Why China's long-term growth isn't sustainable 172Appendixes 177A historical chronology 177China's cultural similarity with your country 184Bibliography 191Index 197