This book examines the development of the xiangli system from the Song to the Qing dynasties, analyzing its uniformity and regional variations, as the second of a two-volume set that systematically presents the xiangli system throughout Imperial China. The xiangli system was a cornerstone of rural governance in Imperial China. This two-volume set illuminates the extension of state power to the villages and examines how the rural population was integrated into the dynastic system. This volume focuses on the later development of the system, from the Song dynasty to the Qing. Through a detailed analysis of five historical periods and several representative regional case studies, this volume highlights the system’s adaptations and enduring influence over centuries of imperial rule. The concluding chapter offers crucial insights into how local governance structures both shaped and were shaped by wider political, economic and cultural forces across the dynasties of Imperial China. The book will be essential reading for scholars and students of China and Chinese history, particularly those interested in rural governance and control in Imperial China.
