Urban transformation in semi-colonial China: Gulangyu International Settlement, 1903-1937

Abstract

After the First Opium War, the urban transformation of Gulangyu, the roles of indigenous customs and western ideologies played in its development are the subjects of this dissertation. Before 1841, Xiamen had formed mature political, economic and social networks and Gulangyua??s primary urban structure was already shaped. Since 1860s, foreigners had resided on Gulangyu without national boundaries. The establishment of Gulangyu International Settlement introduced municipal ideas and engendered a safe sanitary living environment; whilst Chinese traditions and indigenous customs continued to be observed, such as the baojia System, land exchange system, ancestral worship, reverence for rocks, hills and graves, etc. In addition, the Council was unable to conduct a thorough civil reformation. Hence, the original urban structure formed before 1903 were well utilized during the Municipal Period. Gulangyua??s urban experience presents an urban model that was fostered by socio-political background of semi-colonial China, imprinted with local characteristics.