The roots of institutions, culture and cities in China

Sun Sheng Han () and Ning Yan ()

Chapter 2 in Institutions, Culture and the Chinese City, 2025, pp 17-39 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: Chapter 2 discusses ancient China's institutional and cultural characteristics and urban forms, which are key influences shaping China's post-1949 institutions, culture and cities. The discussion focuses on the two ancient Chinese political systems, i.e., the Zhou and Qin systems. The Zhou System applied hereditary fiefdom rules, while the Qin System operated under centralised imperial rules. Both systems shared the principles of hierarchy and order. However, they differed fundamentally in ruler–people relations, with warmth present in the Zhou System and cruelty imposed in the Qin System. Confucius believed that the Zhou System underpinned the ideal society that ancient China needed to return to through rebuilding the country, thus ending the wars and chaos. His teachings revolved around principles facilitating the restoration of the Zhou System. Many principles advocated by the ancient Chinese scholars, along with the values embedded in agrarian culture and Buddhism, continue to influence the minds and behaviour of modern Chinese people. Corresponding to these two political systems and their cultures are distinctive urban systems. The Zhou System built independent feudal states and cities, while the Qin System established interdependent administrative seats. Both systems enforced strict hierarchical city-building standards. The ancient urban system served as the foundation of the Chinese city, which has continued to evolve across regions over time.

Keywords: Zhou System; Qin System; Agrarian culture; Feudal cities; Administrative seats; Hierarchy and order in city building (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
ISBN: 9781035312429
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