This volume—the second in A General History of Chinese Wushu and one of the most substantively grounded works of its kind—offers a comprehensive portrait of Wushu during the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties. Drawing on both macro historical narratives and meticulous textual analysis, it provides an in depth examination of Wushu’s artistic and theoretical systems, its routines, boxing styles, and diverse traditions, fully demonstrating the discipline’s maturity and flourishing in the imperial era. Combining the rigor of academic scholarship with the vividness of historical storytelling, this volume serves as a valuable reference for researchers in history, culture, sports studies, and the humanities, while remaining accessible to general readers interested in Chinese martial culture. Through this work, readers will gain insight into the intricate ways Wushu intersected with political, military, economic, and cultural developments, and experience the enduring charm of its techniques—techniques shaped by history, infused with artistry, and refined through centuries of cultural evolution.
