
INTRODUCTION
China, one of the most populous and rapidly developing nations in the world, is undergoing dramatic social and economic transformation, which is viewed as a major historical event of the twentieth century. In connection to this unparalleled transformation, the demand for knowledge of current events in China and their global implications is greater than ever.
The China Development Studies programme emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of China through its global-local interactions and regional variations in politics, economy, trade, investment, environment, policy making, tourism, and urban development. The prime objective of the programme is to educate students to become capable personnel for firms and institutions in private and public sectors that hold a strong interest in China-related business and development.
The programme provides an opportunity to local and international students for systematic training and independent research on development issues in contemporary China. The curriculum includes Chinese economies, international trade and foreign direct investment in China, globalisation and spatial economic transformation in China, China's cultural and urban development, China’s public policies and regional development, climate change and environmental resources in China, cultural tourism, environment and sustainable development, sustainable urban and transport planning, tourism, land governance and development, and a field trip to China. Moreover, a capstone experience component is included in the curriculum that provides the students with a platform to acquire research skills through the completion of a dissertation or directed project under the supervision of a designated teacher. The Contemporary China Seminar Series is also an integral part of the programme.
ACADEMIC STAFF
Course Teachers and Dissertation Supervisors
FULL-TIME HKU TEACHING STAFF

Dr. Junxi QIAN
Programme Director
Associate Professor
Department of Geography, HKU
BSc (Sun Yat-sen); PhD (Edinburgh, UK)

Dr. Patrick ADLER
Assistant Professor
Department of Geography, HKU
BA, MA (Toronto); PhD (UCLA)

Dr. Yanjia CAO
Assistant Professor
Department of Geography, HKU
MS (SUNY- Buffalo); PhD (UMaryland/UIowa)

Dr. Ben A GERLOFS
Assistant Professor
Department of Geography, HKU
BA (Aquinas College); MA (Syracuse); PhD (Rutgers)

Dr. K (Peter) KOH
Assistant Professor
Department of Geography, HKU
BA, MA (Seoul National University); PhD (Michigan State University)

Professor Becky P Y LOO, JP
Professor
Department of Geography, HKU
BA, PhD (HK); FAcSS; FCILT

Dr. Zhenci XU
Assistant Professor
Department of Geography, HKU
BSc (China Agricultural University); PhD (Michigan State University, US)

Professor George C S LIN
Programme Chief Examiner
Department Head and Chair Professor
Department of Geography, HKU
BSc, MSc (Zhongshan); MA (Akron); PhD (Brit Col)

Dr. Wesley ATTEWELL
Assistant Professor
Department of Geography, HKU
BA Hon; MA; PhD (UBC)

Professor Wendy Y CHEN
Professor
Department of Geography, HKU
BSc, MSc (Zhongshan); PhD (HK)

Dr. Benjamin L IAQUINTO
Assistant Professor
Department of Geography, HKU
BSc (Hons) (Monash); PhD (Melbourne)

Dr. Jinbao LI
Deputy Programme Director
Associate Professor
Department of Geography, HKU
BS, MS (Lanzhou); PhD (Columbia)

Dr. Frank van der WOUDEN
Assistant Professor
Department of Geography, HKU
BSc, MSc (Utrecht); PhD (UCLA)

Dr. Hongsheng ZHANG
Assistant Professor
Department of Geography, HKU
BE, ME (SCNU); PhD (CUHK)
HONORARY/PART-TIME TEACHING STAFF
Dr. Michael W H CHAN
Honorary Lecturer
Department of Geography, HKU
BA, MPhil, PhD (HK)

Dr. Zhiran HUANG
Honorary Lecturer
Department of Geography, HKU
B.Eng. (Tianjin, USTB), MSc (Polimi); PhD (HK)

Dr. Larry C.B. LAI
Honorary Lecturer
Department of Geography, HKU
BA (Hons)(CityU HK); MA (UCL); MPhil, PhD (HK)

Mr. Anthony W C LEUNG
Honorary Lecturer
Department of Geography, HKU
BA (Hons), MBA (Manitoba); MAChDS (HK); MAES (CityU HK)

Dr. Yinyi LIN
Postdoctoral Researcher
Department of Geography, HKU
B.Eng. (Wuhan); PhD (CUHK)

Dr. He WANG
Honorary Assistant Professor
Department of Geography, HKU
BS (PKU); MA (Syracuse); PhD (Syracuse)

Professor Maria del Mar FRANCESCH-HUIDOBRO
Adjunct Professor
Department of Geography, HKU
MPA; PhD (HK)

Mr. Ronghao JIANG
Part-Time Lecturer
Department of Geography, HKU
BS & BEc(SCNU), MSc (Wuhan), MSc (EUR)

Dr. James H LENZER Jr
Honorary Lecturer
Department of Geography, HKU
BSc (Ohio State University); MA, PhD (HK)

Dr. Xun LI
Honorary Lecturer
Department of Geography, HKU
BSc, MSc (Xiamen); PhD (HK)

Professor Ian C. MELL
Visiting Professor
Department of Geography, HKU
BSc (Northumbria), MSc (Sussex); PhD (Newcastle)

Dr. Ruilin YANG
Honorary Lecturer
Department of Geography, HKU
BA, MA, PhD (Toronto)

FIELDTRIP SNAPSHOT
2022-2023
:
Singapore




2017-2018
:
Xinjiang




2015-2016
:
Taipei-Kaohsiung-Kinmen-Xiame




2013-2014
:
Changchun-Vladivostolc, Russia-North Korea




2011-2012
:
Chifeng-Shanyang-Anshan




2009-2010
:
Shandong: Qingdao-Yentai-Confucianism




2007-2008
:
Beijing: Grand Olympic Game




2005-2006
:
Chongqing-Spearhead of Inland China




2003-2004
:
Shanghai-Nanjing-YRD




2001-2002
:
Shanghai-Ningpo-Henzhou-Huanshan




2018-2019
:
Vietnam




2016-2017
:
Kuinming–Myanmar




2014-2015
:
Zhengzhou-Henan-Central China




2012-2013
:
Chongqing-Wulong




2010-2011
:
Heilongjiang: Harbin-Dayin-Heihe




2008-2009
:
Sichuan: Chengdu-Earthquake Recovery




2006-2007
:
Shanghai: Pudong-Daxiao Yangshan Ports




2004-2005
:
Wuhan-Three Gorges: Centre of Central China




2002-2003
:
Beijing-Tianjin: Capital of China



