Emperor's Geography—City Locations, Nature and Institutional Optimisation.

This article examines how geographical and institutional factors influenced the founding and development of cities of different administrative ranks in imperial China from 221 BCE to 1911 CE. Using a unique geo-spatial data set and a stylised theoretical model, the study finds that local geographical features strongly shaped the locations of lower-ranking market towns and county seats, which were primarily concerned with local administration and tax collection. In contrast, higher-ranking prefecture seats, which held military and political functions, were less determined by geography and instead strategically placed for centrality within administrative regions to facilitate control and communication. The research also demonstrates significant historical path dependence, showing that many former administrative cities remain more populous and economically active today, highlighting the enduring impact of historical institutional hierarchies on modern urban development in China.