Now an established global force, China has experienced a sustained period of staggering economic growth since policy reform in the 1970s. Chinese urbanisation is the most significant example of economic, environmental and social change both within China and globally. In recent years, central government has made a concerted effort to encourage city governments to realign their priorities and achieve a balance between economic efficiency, social justice and environmental protection.

Chinese Urban Transformation: A Tale of Six Cities is a fascinating exploration of the dramatic development Chinese cities have undergone. Tracing this transformation through a comprehensive analysis of social and economic change in six cities, it unravels the complex relationship between policy, outlook and role that urban development plays in China’s view of itself, including the tensions resulting from rapid social and economic change.

Dr. Chen Yuanzhi is an Associate Professor at the Department of Academics, China Executive Leadership Academy Pudong (CELAP) and Research Fellow of Research Center for Technological Innovation, Tsinghua University.

Alan Hudson is Director of Programmes in Leadership and Public Policy at the Oxford University Department for Continuing Education and a a Visiting Professor at Fudan University, Shanghai, Shanghai Jiaotong University and the Chinese Executive Leadership Academy Pudong. The work on Shanghai has led to the establishment of a joint Oxford University/CELAP Centre for Urban Studies, of which he is the Oxford Director.

Dr. He Lisheng is the Director of the Teaching Affairs Department of CELAP, the Executive Director of the Yangtze River Delta Research Institute of CELAP and evaluation expert of the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the National Social Science Fund Project.