China's Urban Transition

by John Friedmann

Book Overview

Though China's urban history reaches back over five thousand years, it is only in the last quarter century that urbanization has emerged as a force of widespread social transformation while a massive population shift from country to city has brought about a dramatic revolution in China's culture, politics, and economy. Employing a historical perspective, John Friedmann presents a succinct, readable account and interpretation of how this transition...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0816646155
• ISBN13: 9780816646159
• Release Date: March 2005
• Publisher: University of Minnesota Press
• Length: 196 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Great Introduction to Chinese Cities and Urban Planning Today

Wavering between four or five stars. Although he is an academic, rather than being cumbersome, Friedmann's book feels like he sat down and simply wrote off the top of his head all that he knew about the subject. This is a good thing. It doesn't get bogged down and it reads well. It does have explanatory notes, but the notes themselves are interesting and the book is slim. The first chapter is the best, concise introduction to the history of the Chinese city out there. As a planner practicing in China, I even learned quite a bit. Other chapters deal with the migrant mobility, urbanization in the countryside, regional policies, governance, and social aspects among others. This book is best for someone who does not know much about China but wants quick introduction to what is happening in Chinese cities today.