Feng Shui has transitioned from a spiritual practice to a state tool for urban planning and governance in modern China, reflecting cultural and political dynamics.
About:
Andrew Stokols is an urban studies scholar focused on China, urban technology, and geopolitics, with a PhD from MIT and experience in research and teaching.
Website:
Specializations:
Interests:
Outgoing Links:
Subscribe to RSS:
The Chinese Academy of Sciences has transformed into a state-owned conglomerate, driving innovation and founding key tech companies in China through its extensive research network and investments.
The post explores the evolution of Chinese cities from 1949, revealing industrial growth and regional disparities through CIA maps, challenging the idea of stagnation during the planned economy era.
Hefei's economic transformation is driven by a state-led investment model that focuses on strategic industries, significantly boosting its GDP and attracting outside investment.
China's EDWC project aims to create a national computing network to optimize resource allocation and enhance AI development while facing significant technical and proprietary challenges.
Shenzhen is pioneering a 'low altitude economy' with drone delivery, driven by its tech ecosystem and facing bureaucratic challenges from military airspace control.
The post explores why new urban developments in China exhibit a monotonous architectural style, linking it to land finance, planning regulations, and the nationalization of real estate firms.
China's Eastern Data Western Compute Plan seeks to enhance cloud computing infrastructure through the establishment of 10 data center hubs, emphasizing energy efficiency and significant investment.
A personal reflection on the author's research trip to China, examining cultural self-confidence, technological innovation, and the prevailing sense of anxiety in contemporary society.
The post explores the paradox of China's economic success in manufacturing amidst domestic stagnation and the bipolar narratives shaping U.S. perceptions of China during the Trump era.
China's new urban areas, led by state-owned enterprises, focus on innovation and ecological design despite economic challenges, reshaping the landscape of urban development.
The National Archives of Publications and Culture serves as a tool for preserving Chinese heritage while promoting the Communist Party's ideological narrative under Xi Jinping's leadership.
The post examines the Waterfront Lobby project as a key initiative for cross-jurisdictional planning in the Yangtze Delta, reflecting China's efforts for coordinated regional development.
Datong's transformation into a tourist hub raises questions about heritage authenticity and the socio-political costs of urban reconstruction led by Mayor Geng Yanbo.
Zhangjiakou's data center boom, fueled by the Eastern Data Western Compute project, faces challenges of underutilization and reliance on non-renewable energy despite significant investment.
Guiyang is transforming into a cloud computing center, showcasing rapid urban development alongside traditional elements, driven by government support and major tech investments.
Sinocities aims to explore China's regional complexities through unique topics while introducing a paid subscription model to support in-depth research.
Sketch Action revitalizes Shenzhen's urban villages through community-led design and small-scale gardening projects, fostering local engagement and addressing urbanization challenges.
The post examines China's AI innovations and their societal impacts, revealing a contrast between technological optimism and economic pessimism among citizens.