This book explores how history shapes city development, assesses the role of government at national and sub-national levels through case studies of three secondary cities, Quanzhou, Yiwu and Nannin, and provides a link between city development and internationalization. In doing so, the book highlights alternative paths to development and internationalization that have received little attention in mainstream discussions.

The case studies in the book provide insights into the development and internationalization of cities, linking them to historical, social, institutional and economic factors-narratives that bridge the two themes of city development and internationalization. Strong analyses are accompanied by photographs and charts that allow the reader to learn about Chinese cities beyond the major urban areas in China, garner better understanding of the role of the Chinese state, and appreciate the relevance of "city-specific assets" for city planning.