Historical Transportation Accessibility of Chinese Sui-Tang Period and Its Socioeconomics Influence

Abstract

This paper considers the modeling of historical transportation accessibility and its socioeconomic influence in the long term, for mainly China Proper during the Sui-Tang period (Year 609~813). Population data of 329 preferences are obtained and the road network is reconstructed using data collected by Chu (2014) and Yen (1985). Different modes of travel and their speed are calculated. Following this, accessibilities with respect to heavy goods transport are obtained. Based on the computed accessibility, we discussed the contribution of the Grand Canal, and the influence of transportation on population dynamics. The accessibility increase induced by the Grand Canal can prove the primary construction purposes were served; and accessibility can work in both directions on population dynamics, which is to increase or decrease the population depending on the situation of wars and disasters. We conclude by discussing general lessons that can be learned from historical long-term studies