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