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From the era of Yu the Great in time immemorial up until the Qing Dynasty of the 20th century, this volume covers thousands of years of Chinese history. Many regimes and dynasties emerged, expanded, and ultimately declined - at times causing enormous change in the territorial division and governance of this great Central and East Asian landmass. China went through several phases of unification and part-unification as various rival groups and rulers constantly fought for greater land and resources. This book sheds light on these numerous shifts in power and territory in a largely chronological manner, giving readers a real sense of timescale and perspective when learning how the nation came about. Focusing on how regimes administered and ruled their territory is also a key part of this volume. Through understanding the various changes and types of administration, it can be shown why certain practices evolved to eventually become the unified country that we know today. This attention to administrative roles serves to underpin the territorial changes that were so crucial in the formation of both ancient and modern China.

This book tracks the various forms of transportation used in China, going back thousands of years to the pre-Qin period and the first known human creation of canoes. Elaborate water networks and road systems were subsequently formed as civilization advances, leading to the emergence of the Silk Road and established trade routes with Europe and the Middle East, maritime transport links to South Asia and India, and eventually extensive railroads set up across China. As transportation methods and routes are gradually improved, communications between various regions of China - and between China and other civilizations and territories - grow exponentially, leaving an indelible mark on the countries involved. This volume records many of these communication and transportation shifts and advancements in great detail, providing readers with a comprehensive overview of how these matters developed over time and impacted society at large. For those interested in further reading on these topics, this volume is an ideal read. It not only covers core themes but also addresses lesser-known aspects of Chinese transport development and includes several fascinating and even amusing real-world examples from history.