Book excerpt: This revealing book paints a vivid picture of life in the Tang Dynasty's capital city Chang'an, as well as the key cities of Luoyang and Yangzhou. To understand Chinese history and society, the eye must be focused on the cities, and this book draws a panoramic picture of the urban politics, economy, culture, religion, and customs to help the reader better understand ancient and modern China. The Urban Life of the Tang Dynasty provides an insight into the four fundamental characteristics of Chinese life in this historical period (618-907): openness, knowledge and skills, internationalization, and the bold and unrestrained lifestyles led by certain sections of society within these key urban centers. (Series: Insight on Ancient China)