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Fiscal Revenue in Ming and Qing China (1368–1911 CE): A Quantification

In: Quantitative History of China

Author

Listed:
  • Hanhui Guan

    (Peking University)

  • Debin Ma

    (Fudan University)

  • Runzhuo Zhai

    (Renmin University of China
    Institute of Agrarian History, Renmin University of China)

Abstract

This chapter reconstructs 500 years of central governmental fiscal revenue and expenditure data for the Ming and Qing dynasties between 1368 and 1911 CE from both primary archival and secondary sources. We estimate total and per capita central governmental revenue both in nominal and real terms and decompose our fiscal revenue by types: in-kind versus monetary, land versus commercial taxes, direct versus indirect taxes, and seigniorage revenue. We further make a comparison with the available series for Europe. Our estimates on the long-term trend and structure form a benchmark for understanding long-term fiscal capacity in China in a comparative perspective. They show that the divergence in fiscal and financial capacity between England and China had emerged in the seventeenth century, fully one hundred years before the rise of the Industrial Revolution in England.

Suggested Citation

  • Hanhui Guan & Debin Ma & Runzhuo Zhai, 2026. "Fiscal Revenue in Ming and Qing China (1368–1911 CE): A Quantification," Studies in Economic History, in: Zhiwu Chen & Cameron Campbell & Debin Ma (ed.), Quantitative History of China, chapter 0, pages 243-274, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:stechp:978-981-96-8272-0_9
    DOI: 10.1007/978-981-96-8272-0_9
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    JEL classification:

    • E10 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - General Aggregative Models - - - General
    • N35 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - Asia including Middle East
    • O10 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - General

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