Review of the Studies on Ancient Chinese Urban Form in the Western World Since the Mid-20th Century

The study of ancient Chinese urban form is an important field of the western Sinology research, which had become comprehensive and in-depth since the mid-20th century. There are three main research issues: (1) general history of urban form focusingon universal features; (2) case studies with the exploration of diversity and interdisciplinary; (3) forming mechanism of urban forms in specific aspects. The vision of comparative study, the methods and technologies of modern science and the unique access to literature of these western studies could have a useful inspiration for the study of contemporary Chinese scholars. However, the limitations of their research standpoint and material acquisition scope have brought negative effects. In summary, the “local” research with a global vision is the future trend of development.