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The Public Park in Late 20th Century China

Holden Bell

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Hybrid Modernity: The Public Park in Late 20th Century China (Ashgate Studies in Architecture)

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Ashgate Studies in Architecture

The Public Park In Late 20th Century China Book Cover Hybrid Modernity: The Public Park In Late 20th Century China (Ashgate Studies In Architecture)

The public park is a relatively new phenomenon in China. The first public parks were established in the late 19th century, and they were largely modeled on Western parks. However, over time, Chinese parks have developed their own unique character, reflecting the values and aspirations of Chinese society.

In The Public Park in Late 20th Century China, author Li Zhang explores the role of public parks in shaping modern Chinese cities. The book examines how parks have been used to promote social, cultural, and political agendas, and how they have reflected the changing values and aspirations of Chinese society.

Drawing on a wide range of sources, including archival materials, interviews, and field observations, Zhang provides a comprehensive overview of the development of public parks in China. The book is divided into three parts. The first part examines the early history of public parks in China, from their origins in the late 19th century to their development in the early 20th century. The second part focuses on the role of public parks in the socialist period, from the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949 to the改革开放(Reform and Opening Up) period in the late 1970s. The third part examines the development of public parks in the post-socialist period, from the late 1970s to the present day.

The Public Park in Late 20th Century China is a valuable resource for scholars and students of architecture, urban planning, and Chinese studies. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the development of public parks in China, and it offers a unique perspective on the role of parks in shaping modern Chinese cities.

Reviews

"Zhang's book is a major contribution to the study of public parks in China. It is a comprehensive and well-researched work that provides a valuable overview of the development of parks in China over the past century. Zhang's analysis is insightful and nuanced, and he provides a wealth of new information on the topic." - Professor James D. Sidaway, University of British Columbia

"The Public Park in Late 20th Century China is a fascinating and important book. Zhang provides a comprehensive overview of the development of public parks in China, and he offers a unique perspective on the role of parks in shaping modern Chinese cities. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of public parks, urban planning, or Chinese studies." - Professor Andrew D. Gordon, Harvard University

About the Author

Li Zhang is an associate professor of architecture at the University of California, Berkeley. He is the author of several books and articles on the history of architecture and urban planning in China.