Characteristics and causes of the rise of towns in the south of the Yangtze River in Ming and Qing Dynasties

Features: most of them are located in places with convenient transportation, with a large number and dense distribution, and their status is between urban and rural areas. Taking industrial and commercial activities as the main function, it has a wide range of radiation, and commercial activities are closely related to the surrounding countryside.

Reasons for the rise:

1, the north has been in war for years, and most of it is deserted;

2. The land in the south is fertile, and the climate is suitable for farming, especially in two seasons;

3. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, desertification in the north began to be serious;

4. The South has a large population;

5. The water network is developed, especially the opening of Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. It is more convenient for the south to transport materials to the capital.

6. In the Ming Dynasty, the sea ban was partially opened, and in the Qing Dynasty, there were ports such as Guangzhou, which means that the policy was more open.