Zhiwu Chen^{1, *}, Zhan Lin^2
1Professor at the Faculty of Business and Economics, The University of Hong Kong, and Director of the Hong Kong Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
²Associate Professor at the Institute of Qing History, Renmin University of China, and Researcher at the Digital Humanities Research Center, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, China
*Corresponding email: prof_chen_zhuwu_hk@163.com

Abstract

This paper delves into China’s extensive developmental history through the interdisciplinary approaches of quantitative historical research and digital humanities. It begins by outlining the characteristics of quantitative historical research in China over the past decade and then uses the latest research outcomes from the author’s team to demonstrate how these studies have provided new insights into the long-term development of Chinese society. The research reveals that war, opening to the outside world, and maritime trade are the core factors shaping China’s economic and geographical patterns and social culture, with these elements significantly influencing the trajectory of Chinese civilization. By integrating extensive historical and archaeological data with quantitative analysis methods and social science theories, this paper not only aids in resolving contentious issues in historical research but also introduces recent problems, perspectives, and discoveries, thereby deepening the understanding of China’s history. This foundation also facilitates the accumulation of more general knowledge, incorporating the regularities of Chinese history into various branches of social science to enhance the comprehension of the laws governing human social development.

Keywords

Quantitative historical research, Digital humanities, Chinese development history, Maritime trade, International exchange, War impact