Changing China: A Geographic Appraisal provides an up-to-date and detailed account of the giant country that is undergoing an unparalleled and historic transition from a centralized command economy to a market-based economy, and from a rural, agricultural society to an urban, industrial power. Contributions from a distinguished team of geographers both inside and outside of China are divided into three parts that assess, respectively, economic changes since the reform of 1978, recent social transformations, and changes along China's peripheries including Hong Kong, Taiwan, Xin-jiang, and inner Mongolia. An introductory chapter provides an overview of major themes. Includes a chronology of major events in Chinese history and a glossary of Chinese terms.