Transforming Sichuan: The impact of Qing Dynasty immigration and land reclamation on regional development

Cao Maoting, Ku Boon Dar

Abstract


This study examines the socio-economic transformation of Sichuan Province, known as the “Land of Plenty,” during the 17th to early 18th centuries, following the Ming Dynasty’s decline and the Qing Dynasty’s rise. It focuses on Qing immigration policies, which relocated populations from Huguang, Fujian, and Shanxi to revitalise the war- and plague-ravaged region. Using historical sources such as Qing imperial records, local gazetteers, and secondary literature, the study analyses the impact of these migrations. Through an examination of demographic shifts, economic recovery, and cultural integration, the research highlights how these policies accelerated Sichuan’s development. The influx of migrants not only restored population levels but also boosted agriculture, strengthened economic stability, and reshaped the cultural landscape. This migration transformed Sichuan into a key agricultural and commercial hub, reinforcing its administrative and economic framework under the Qing Dynasty. Additionally, the study explores the environmental consequences of large-scale land reclamation, including deforestation, soil erosion, and disrupted water systems, raising concerns about long-term sustainability. By assessing these complex impacts, the research enhances understanding of state-directed migration’s role in regional recovery. The findings provide historical insights relevant to contemporary migration and resettlement policies, offering valuable lessons for sustainable development and governance.

 

Keywords: Cultural transformations, demographic challenges, immigration policies, Qing Dynasty, Sichuan, socio-economic resilience


Keywords


Cultural transformations, demographic challenges, immigration policies, Qing Dynasty, Sichuan, socio-economic resilience

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References


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