Centre for Quantitative History

Image of <h5><strong>ANCIENT ROOTS FROM QUANTITATIVE PERSPECTIVES</strong></h5>
ANCIENT ROOTS FROM QUANTITATIVE PERSPECTIVES

Explores prehistoric and historical China through archaeological data and discoveries. 

Led by Professor Zhiwu Chen, Ancient Roots from Quantitative Perspectives Research Cluster examines China’s development trajectory, demographic changes, and social/political/economic evolution through archaeological data and early indicators of land use.
Image of <h5><strong>CULTURE, RELIGION AND LONG-TERM CONSEQUENCES</strong></h5>
CULTURE, RELIGION AND LONG-TERM CONSEQUENCES

Examines religious interactions and economic impact on China's development. 

Led by Professor Cameron Campbell, the Culture, Religion and Long-Term Consequences Research Cluster explores Confucianism as economic institutions, shedding light on its contributions throughout Chinese history and its paradoxical role in modernisation.
Image of <h5><strong>STATE CAPACITY, INSTITUTIONS AND DEVELOPMENT</strong></h5>
STATE CAPACITY, INSTITUTIONS AND DEVELOPMENT

Quantifies state capacity in historical China, examining evolution and impact on outcomes. 

Led by Professor Debin Ma, the State Capacity, Institutions, and Development Research Cluster quantifies state capacity in historical China, examining its evolution, regional variations, and impact on social and economic outcomes.
Image of <h5><strong>FINANCIAL HISTORY, TRADE AND THE RISE OF HONG KONG AS A FINANCIAL CENTRE</strong></h5>
FINANCIAL HISTORY, TRADE AND THE RISE OF HONG KONG AS A FINANCIAL CENTRE

Examines China's financial development, historical influences, and trade dynamics. 

Led by Professor Chicheng Ma, the Financial History, Trade and the Rise of Hong Kong analyses the impact of Confucian and institutional factors on financial markets, their interaction with modern institutions and laws, and Hong Kong's emergence as a global financial centre.
Image of <h5><strong><span style="color: #002349;">ANCIENT ROOTS FROM QUANTITATIVE PERSPECTIVES</span></strong></h5>
ANCIENT ROOTS FROM QUANTITATIVE PERSPECTIVES

Explores prehistoric and historical China through archaeological data and discoveries. 

Led by Professor Zhiwu Chen, Ancient Roots from Quantitative Perspectives Research Cluster examines China’s development trajectory, demographic changes, and social/political/economic evolution through archaeological data and early indicators of land use.
Image of <h5><strong><span style="color: #002349;">CULTURE, RELIGION AND LONG-TERM CONSEQUENCES</span></strong></h5>
CULTURE, RELIGION AND LONG-TERM CONSEQUENCES

Examines religious interactions and economic impact on China's development. 

Led by Professor Cameron Campbell, the Culture, Religion and Long-Term Consequences Research Cluster explores Confucianism as economic institutions, shedding light on its contributions throughout Chinese history and its paradoxical role in modernisation.
Image of <h5><strong><span style="color: #002349;">STATE CAPACITY, INSTITUTIONS AND DEVELOPMENT</span></strong></h5>
STATE CAPACITY, INSTITUTIONS AND DEVELOPMENT

Quantifies state capacity in historical China, examining evolution and impact on outcomes.

Led by Professor Debin Ma, the State Capacity, Institutions, and Development Research Cluster quantifies state capacity in historical China, examining its evolution, regional variations, and impact on social and economic outcomes.
Image of <h5><strong><span style="color: #002349;">FINANCIAL HISTORY, TRADE AND THE RISE OF HONG KONG</span></strong></h5>
FINANCIAL HISTORY, TRADE AND THE RISE OF HONG KONG

Examines China's financial development, historical influences, and trade dynamics. 

Led by Chicheng Ma, the Financial History, Trade and the Rise of Hong Kong analyses the impact of Confucian and institutional factors on financial markets, their interaction with modern institutions and laws, and Hong Kong's emergence as a global financial centre.

Area of Excellence (AoE) Project

Quantitative History of China:
Historical Roots of Recent Success and Future Development

“Uniquely among nations, China has a wealth of historical and archaeological archives covering almost all aspects of society, from politics to business, law and regulation, crime and unrest, family and lineage, culture and customs, religion and social organisation and science. Many of these records have been recently digitised, offering quantitative historians an unprecedented opportunity to re-examine various aspects of China’s past.”


Professor Zhiwu Chen
Project Coordinator

News Highlights

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We are excited to announce the launch of its inaugural Working Paper Series, aimed at fostering innovative research in the field of quantitative historical analysis. This series will provide a platform for scholars to share their findings, methodologies, and insights, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration.

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Held on December 9-10, 2024, the conference brought together more than 160 attendees, comprising leading economic historians, economists, other academics, young researchers and students working on the economic history of all regions of Asia, as well as those comparing Asia with other regions.

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We are thrilled to share that our Centre has introduced an engaging new PhD level seminar course on Quantitative History at the HKU Business School.

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We take pride in the integral role our Centre plays within the School’s vibrant research community. Our continuous commitment to advancing knowledge and addressing critical challenges remains at the forefront of our mission.

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We are delighted to announce the launch our new CQH website, featuring revamped content, improved navigation and a refreshed design.

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Join Upcoming Events

Event TypeSummer Schools

Embark on a transformative journey at the Eleventh Quantitative History Summer School where students can engage with top scholars, explore quantitative methodologies, and broaden their academic horizons. Join us from July 5-15, 2025, in Qingdao and Yantai, Shandong. Apply now to secure your spot before the April 10 deadline and seize the opportunity to elevate your historical research pursuits.

Event DateJuly 5, 2025
Event TypeSymposia

We are delighted to announce that the Eleventh Annual Symposium on Quantitative History is coming in 2025. We cordially invite high-caliber scholars to submit their paper for this meaningful event.

Event DateJuly 12, 2025

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Life At HKU
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Explore vibrant campus life and community engagement 

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Our Experts
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Access interdisciplinary insights from quantitative historians 

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Latest Event Recordings
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Stay updated with recorded presentations and lectures

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Training
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Enhance your quantitative skills through specialised programmes