The Song Dynasty, which lasted for more than 300 years, straddled two periods in Chinese history: the Northern Song Dynasty and the Southern Song Dynasty. The capital cities of these Dynasties were Dongjing and Lin’an.

Written by leading Chinese historical expert Li Chuntang this book reveals the importance of these urban centres upon China’s overall development and history. The reader will learn how the collapse of a restricted trade system in the middle of the Northern Song Dynasty led to great social transformation plus the clear lucid coverage examines the critical aspects of urban economy, culture, custom and politics within the famous cities of the Song Dynasty.

Now available in English outside of China for the very first time, the Insight on Ancient China Series is published by Paths International in association with China’s prestigious Hunan People’s Publishing House.

Translated by: Hong Wang, Linlin Zhang, Yan L.V.