Economic restructuring and demographic growth: demystifying growth and development in Northern Song China, 960–1127

The Northern Song period (960-1127) has been recognized as one of the most important eras in China’s economic and demographic history. This study investigates the key factors and mechanisms that led to economic restructuring and wealth generating to support a growing population. By revealing state-led changes in the economy, it challenges some commonly circulated interpretations of the remarkable economic development and population growth in Northern Song China.