A History of China's Population Development

This academic monograph on the development of China's population was written by the renowned scholar Professor Ge Jianxiong. As Ge Jianxiong puts it: “Just as citizens should know their country's history, Chinese citizens should understand the history of China's population development.” Drawing on an extensive review of historical sources, the book offers a detailed account of population trends in China over more than two thousand years, how the population changed and developed, and the reasons behind those changes. It also identifies the patterns that emerge. The book is divided into three parts. Part One discusses the origins, evolution, and development of population survey systems in successive dynasties, and evaluates historical population records. Part Two follows a chronological structure, with chapters detailing population development from the pre-Qin period through the Qing dynasty and analyzing the characteristics and causes of changes in population size. Part Three examines population composition and reproduction, as well as population distribution and migration. By revisiting and reconstructing the past, this book gives readers a comprehensive understanding of the full course of China's population development, helping them better understand the present and consider the future. It also provides valuable resources for scholars in history, ethnology, archaeology, sociology, geography, and other related fields.