This book summarizes the historical changes of China's canals, sorting out the use of waterways from ancient times to the Ming and Qing dynasties, the evolution of the water transport network and its relationship with politics and economy, and revealing the interaction between geographical environment and human activities. This book breaks through the traditional historical geography research framework, and through the examination of cases such as the early canal engineering of the Chu State and the water transport function of the Sui and Tang Dynasties, it introduces a theoretical system of how transportation progress favors a process of geographical changes, laying the foundation for the study of canal water conservancy history. This book is included in the academic communication project in China after the announcement of China s Grand Canal to be selected onto the UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Autorentext

Shi Nianhai (1912 2001) was a pioneering founder of modern historical geography in China. He held key academic positions at Shaanxi Normal University, Northwest University, and Lanzhou University, where he served as Vice President and Director of the Institutes of Historical Geography and Tang Dynasty Studies. Shi contributed significantly to the study of China's territorial evolution and canals, co-authoring A History of the Evolution of China's Territory with Gu Jiegang. His major works include China's Canals and Outline of Chinese Historical Geography. He was also President of the Shaanxi Historical Society and the Chinese Society of Ancient Capitals.

Inhalt

Chapter 1. The Utilization of Natural Waterways in Ancient Times.- Chapter 2. Canal Construction in the Pre-Qin Period and Its Impact.- Chapter 3. The Rehabilitation of the Canal Transport Network during the Qin and Han.- Chapter 4. The Destruction and Restoration of the Canal Transport Network After the Eastern Han Dynasty.- Chapter 5. The Excavation of Canals During the Sui Dynasty and Its Impact.- Chapter 6. The Eastward Shift of the Political Center and the Obstruction of the Canal System.- Chapter 7. The Construction and Decline of the Grand Canal.- Chapter 8. The Decline and Restoration of the Grand Canal.