City is the production of human wisdom. Every historical period leaves legacy in cities. Urban history and culture is not only the records of cities, but also the memory of themselves. 

This specialization focues on the history of international and Chinese cities, investigating the path of their development and social transformation with comparative methods. It aims at giving policy indication based on historical experiences and lessons. In the meantime, the researches are expected to further explore the history and culture of different cities, so as to inherit, protect and develop the legacy. 

Research focuses: 1) the world history of cities; 2) the world history of metropolis; 3) Chinese history of cities; 4) Contemperary Chinese history of cities; 5) Urban history and culture and the legacy protection; 6) Comparative research on the history of foreign and Chinese cities