revising Essay for East Asia History course

The Essay Instruction: The assignment is to compare the indigenous urban tradition of China (as represented by a particular city like Hangzhou or Suzhou) with urban life in early 20th century Shanghai:  are the two essentially same, or did Shanghai represent something radically new?  If so, what was the nature of the difference, and how important was it?

This can be approached all sorts of ways, drawing on both the required readings for class and at least three outside sources (which can be found either by looking at the footnotes and bibliographies of assigned readings or by using databases like HISTORICAL ABSTRACTS).

The essay should be 10 to 12 pages in length, and include references. 

East Asia History Essay:

The Transformation of Ancient China

The definition of indigenous background design tradition is a struggle that China, like most countries, has experienced in the 20th century. After China affected the open-door policy was towards the conclusion of the 1970s, it became obvious that the garden design traditions of Chinese background had been ignored (Bracken 211). The open space design has become a relevant topic that must be addressed in a reflective matter of traditional and modern Chinese design. People from all parts of China were drawn to Shanghai in search of the many opportunities that promised a chance at a better life. The Shanghai harbor presented many commercial and industrial activities that were an opportunity for individuals to transform into success at the beginning of the 20th century. The process would require individuals to duplicate their previous lives into the new ones. Therefore, the acquisition of knowledge about the busy economy and skills became part of the resident’s identity as they relied on older traditions to persevere.

Shanghai was the center of commerce while within its core positioned Suzhou that was a regional area that offered a balance between cultural life and business activities (Hung 25). The city is known for its flourishment through retention of ancient personality while simultaneously absorbing modern reforms brought about by the industrial revolution. The city of Suzhou is an indication of several Chines cities being overtaken by modern reforms that will define the people based on the domestic needs. The Chinese culture has been altered with urban economic activities that has had a profound outcome on the traditional values. The vast changes that plagued China were mostly recorded in the urban areas. However, the rural areas appeared hesitant in adopting the changes that distorted their traditional values.

Suzhou and Hangzhou are examples of Chinese cities that underwent modern reforms despite their unique traditional culture. The conception of Suzhou occurred in the 6th century during the reign of the Kingdom of Wu. Initially the customs and languages used were of Chinese decent that were being practiced in the Wu court. The Kingdom of Chu observed the prominence of the Wu kingdom that prompted the existence of hegemony to govern the region. However, the Kingdom of Wu decided to invade the southern side of the Yue Kingdom that led to their onslaught. The Kingdom of Chu overthrew the Yue and took the territory belonging to the Kingdom of Wu. The Sinitic political world overwhelmed the Wu territory that led to the replaced by the older language that was initially used in the Kingdom of Wu. As the 19th century arrived the Suzhou absorbed Buddhism that led to the arrival of new leaders like Marco Polo who introduced revolutionary practices such as currency and frequent commercial activities that were brought on by many merchants (Harvey 27).

The establishment of the Shanghai–Hangzhou railway is a resemblance of the arrival of new ideologies that intimidated the traditional culture. Similar to the invasion of the Suzhou by the Kingdom of Wu the region experienced presence of many merchants and skilled craftsmen that provided a new language for trade and interaction. The modern Chinese urban region gained dominance by the Western settlers who spread their ideologies to the local cities. This is identical to the arrival of the Kingdom of Wu, who introduced new language to the Chinese cities like Suzhou and Hangzhou (Miller 168). The Western settler introduced a new language that was assimilated by the urban dwellers of modern Chinese culture. The rural areas of China also underwent reformation as the stagnant culture began to resemble anti-traditional nature of the urban towns.

The traditional Chinese culture supported notions of family and religion. These values were the core principles of the old China (Li 25). However, the industrial revolution of the 20th century brought about the ideologies of individuality and liberation of feminist ideas. Social dynamic penetrated the Chinese community where people in the traditional setting used to coexist without social classes. However, after the industrial revolution in China social dynamisms introduced social classes where individuals began to identify themselves according to income instead of sharing a similar status. The urban areas decided to encourage diversification of social status that appeared in the form of new intelligence and waged workforce. The excessive investment in the industrial and service sections of the nation had led to the modern bourgeoisie. The indigenous urban tradition of China also experienced that is similar to the urban life of the early 20th century life. This is because Buddhism provided the residents with the change to bond socially. Through the practice of the religion more people began to enjoy the freedom of mediation especially in rural areas. They become closer as they promoted the belief that people should be one with nature. The social practices in rural areas increased gradually as the union between the body and soul was perceived as an ideal way of life.

Hangzhou and Suzhou are Chines cities that possesses rich cultural and historical backgrounds until the arrival of industrial development. Initially Hangzhou was region inhabited by dwellers unaware of its economic potential (Bracken 211). The trading activities were limited that relied mostly on barter trade. This practice was aimed at protecting the values and beliefs of the community. However, the urban life demonstrates how Hangzhou has developed into a popular international city and an economic center for many people. In the earlier periods the area was a shallow bay, but it currently boasts the Yangtze River Delta that generates exceptional economic activity. This means more people have adjusted to the opportunities that dominate the area. A similarity that appears between the urban life and indigenous traditional life of China is the attraction of people from different areas to a prominent region where they can foster their aspirations.

Hangzhou rose to being a big city with modernized roads and directed by western policies (Hung 127). During the period of reform, the city experienced a staggering pace of development where modernization and industrialization prospered. The indigenous urban tradition of China also transformed with a presentation of different agricultural products that were initially scarce in the early 20th century. The cultivation fields that were soaked with saline solutions began to become more productive as peasants discovered the value of the drained soil. The fields generated vegetables and fruits that led to network of transport of delivery of agricultural products. Soon the Hangzhou traditional region was packed with a larger population. The level of production was not at par with the volume of produce after industrial revolution but the effect was similar.

The standard of living in the indigenous urban tradition of China was enhanced through the introduction of Buddhism. The residents of traditional China practiced intimate landscape where they could connect with the everything in nature in a quest to find inner peace. The practice encouraged more people to connect witty another spiritually that raised the standard of living. This is because of the combined belief that the energy a person emits will be reciprocated. The improved living standard can also manifest with the urbanization that began with new sources of income. The new opportunities of industrial revolution delivered more working opportunities for the people of China. The excess income allowed them to participate in social events like festivals and shows where they would be enlightened as they alleviate the stress of a busy life (Harvey 89). Urbanization offered a means of rediscovering leisure activities, leading to the development of the civilization and society.

Shanghai has been bequeath as the ideal cultural center in the beginning of the 20th century. The cultural essence of the city that manifested in the form of gardens, temples, landscape, architecture and prime location has been transformed but still remains a tolerable requirement by the residents (Miller 168). There has been coexistence and cultural tolerance for the Shanghai people for a prolonged period. The urbanism that has turned the city into a metropolis center to match the economic activities that dominate the area still values the traditional beliefs that existed before the modern changes. The urban tradition of China enjoyed canals and narrow streets that were popularly used by merchants. The presence d the large water ways fostered economic activities and promoted unity among the residents. During this period the typologies and traditional practices were highly practiced. The earlier generation had informed the residents of the significance of the traditional practices and preservation of the classical models. In the urban life of the early 20th century the Shanghai remains the center of major economic activities thanks to the Huangpu River and Suez Canal that accommodates the needs of the residents.

The modern Chinese architecture and culture that is part of Shanghai’s history has been vital in the growth of a modern setting. During the indigenous urban tradition of China the people functioned under an administrative system to accommodate the commercial activities and cultural interaction. China was subdivided into traditional sectors that operated on influences and values from the past. This would guarantee the preservation of the Chinese traditional ideology of coexisting in harmony through a governing system that is supported by all people (Li 33). In the early 20th century, when urbanization was a growing phenomenon in China, Shanghai still remains rooted to its traditional beliefs. The modern principles argue that there must exist an administrative system for governing the residents of the region. The city has been categorized into global sectors where the traditional ideologies are practiced. Also, traditional architecture that existed in ancient times is still a significant landmark among the residents of China who protect and cherish it. The indigenous urban tradition of China also protected the ancient architecture in the form of temples and other buildings that symbolize the value of cultural principles.

The political influences of indigenous urban tradition of China determined the construction of buildings and the social experiences for the residents. The design and construction of the former city was not highly practiced. This because most of the development plans relied on an ancient Chinese architecture that used traditional policies. The realm of architecture was influenced by political policies that controlled the development of the city in an attempt to preserve traditional China. The urbanized 20th century has relied on industrial revolution to develop buildings used to meet the new needs of the new world (Bracken 211). The political policies determine the administrative practices of designing new architecture including moments. The political influences sourced traditional values to govern the construction of new buildings in Shanghai. Also the establishment of public institutions relied on ancient architecture as a method of retaining the values of their ancestors. The interaction of Shanghai residents would occur within a realm of traditional values that existed prior the indigenous urban tradition of China.

China has been a city that encourages demonstration of creativity and talent from an early period. The tradition of a competitive atmosphere promotes the residents to seize opportunities and exist in a progressive environment for their own benefit (Hung 127). This is part of the Chinese culture that believes the future of an individual relies on their own hands. This perception originated from the rural areas and spread to the urban areas as the process of modernization became popular. The industrial revolution of Shanghai saw the appearance of new talents and skills that could improve in the organized economic system. The opportunities to pursue their profession became a reality for residents who base their efforts from their traditional Chinese culture.

Ancient Chinese clothing has been a part of the culture that attempts to protect traditional values. Most traditional people wore long tunics as an acceptable custom standard to demonstrate the simplicity of life (Harvey 115). The clothing standard in ancient China was not without differentiation on a social level. The poor people wore blue and black tunics while the affluent wore colorful outfits to match their status. The indigenous tradition of China required the women to wear long clothes concealing their torso, leaving only the head and feet exposed. This practice was a custom that symbolized the purity of the women as she ascends to adulthood and the possibility of marriage. The urban life of modern Shanghai delivered a similar feat where the traditional tunic style was used for people with only minor modifications. The women are required to uphold their customs, but could expose their arms and tighten the fitting of their attires. For men the fashion remained the same apart from the material used for clothing. The poor people usually wore cotton material while the rich wore silk material as a sign of differentiation between the social classes.

The indigenous urban tradition of China considered rice to be staple food and part of their ancient culture. Rice was eaten at any time of the day because it was affordable, easy to cook and had great taste when accompanied with other dishes (Miller 168). However, there were areas like the Northern side of China, where rice did not grow because of the cold conditions. They preferred to grow sorghum and wheat that was not locally available. Vegetables were bought since it was an expensive commodity. However, when available it would combine excellently with the rice. This practice continued with the urban life of modern Shanghai at the beginning of the 20th century. It is evident that rice is the staple food in China and continuous being so because of its nutritional value. The arrival of western influence did not sway the traditional food that has been preferred choice for many residents in China. In Shanghai standards rice can be eaten with fish and vegetable among other delicacies.

The housing system for the poor and rich has always differed despite the urbanization of China. In the indigenous urban tradition of China the poor people constructed and lived in mud brick houses with thatched roofs (Li 59). The spacing was normally small with most houses providing a single space for a family. In contrast the affluent people lived in bigger houses than their counterparts. The homes of the rich people were spacious enough to accommodate the family of poor people. The fancy finishing that comprised of tiles and balcony and interior decoration separated them from other social classes. In the urban life of Shanghai at the onset of the 20th century the houses were constructed using bricks, cement and wood. Such houses belonged to the people who could until now enjoy a window in addition to the door. Instead of the convectional single room the house of the poor people has more than a single room that were divided according to use. There are also balconies in some houses. The rich people occupied prestigious houses that could be customized according to their desire. Sophisticated fences were erected their modern houses as a security measure. Also the wealthy possess spacious homes that they paid a premium price as a measure of differentiating them from the lower social classes. There were several windows in their houses with modern designs to complement the finishing.

The period of urbanization at the beginning of the 20th century brought economic prosperity to the urban areas of China. The city rapidly experienced overpopulation as people from different localities decided to occupy the prominent center. The investment in urban areas was because of technological advances that altered their previous economic practices (Bracken 211). However, the indigenous tradition of China suffered from stagnant economic development. This was partly due to the poor investment in the agriculture sector. The urbanization of cities concentrated investors to occupy metropolitan areas because of their proximity features in relation to economic prominence. The industrial development favored the urban areas while the real areas experienced a decline in growth due to migration of population. The peasant, merchants and craftsmen from rural areas applied limited innovative skills that contributed to the stagnant growth of rural areas. This is because they lacked a knowledge of modernists to adjust their way of life.

Cultural change occurred in Shanghai despite efforts to protect the traditional practices. The urban areas underwent a rapid process of cultural change in comparison to the rural areas The temples were overtaken and repurposed to accommodate local institutions like schools, police departments and public offices. The finance sector under the new administration ordered the change that demonstrates the rapid cultural change in China in the early 20th century (Harvey 155). The cultural change did not only affect the religious sphere. The nationalist government targeted the traditional forms of worship that comprised of burning of incense and convening at local temples. The practice is known for its significance in prevailing in aspect of life and an initial procedure in any task according to indigenous tradition of China. The new urban trends highlighted secular traits that distorted religious practices. This differs from the traditional way of life where worship is highly appreciated. In rural areas there are shrines in every community. In every village the residents hold worship to bless their crops so that insects do not devour them and livestock does not succumb to sickness. Also the shrines pray for the health of the people. These traditional practices only exist in rural areas of China. This demonstrates that the cultural change has not completely penetrated the rural areas.

Transportation has been a common way to commute from one location to another. In indigenous urban tradition of China people relied on horses, donkeys, ox carts and walking as means of transportation (Miller 168). The rich people mostly used ox carts and horses while the poor people would walk or use donkeys. The onset of the urban Shanghai saw the use of horses for transportation for military use when carrying carriages. This was mostly afforded to the rich people who would hold ceremonies to commemorate a particular event. However, with industrial development the majority of transport system delivered cars, motorbikes, planes, trains and bikes. The bullet train became China’s fastest transportation system. Although ordinary individuals still rely on busses, bike rides or cars for commuting to various locations the rich can access the fastest train that reduces their arrival at the desired destination by a short margin.

The indigenous urban tradition of China remains part of the urban life of the early 20th Shanghai. The practices of the modern China are still part of the modern Shanghai despite small differences. This is an attempt to protect the traditional culture of China and the legacy of the people. However, the urban life of Shanghai brought changes that distorted the culture with the urban areas being most affected. The rural areas remain stagnant in their culture as they believed in preserving the values.

Works Cited

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Bracken, G. Aspects of Urbanization in China: Shanghai, Hong Kong, Guangzhou. Amsterdam: Amsterdam University Press, 2012. Print.

Harvey, David. Rebel Cities: From the Right to the City to the Urban Revolution. New York: Verso, 2012. Print.

Hung, Chang-tai. Mao's New World: Political Culture in the Early People's Republic. Ithaca, N.Y: Cornell University Press, 2011. Print.

Li, Hua. Contemporary Chinese Fiction by Su Tong and Yu Hua: Coming of Age in Troubled Times. Leiden: Brill, 2011. Print.

Miller, Tom. China's Urban Billion: The Story Behind the Biggest Migration in Human History. London: Zed Books, 2012. Print.