Developments in the Field of Geography in Communist China, 1949-1959

Physical geography is a branch of science devoted to the study, utilization and transformation of nature. To utilize and transform nature, we, of course, have to understand the rules in regard to the origin, development and distribution of nature. On the surface of the earth and in the space adjacent to the earth where the lithosphere, atmosphere and hydrosphere meet and mix with one another, nature which consists of such essential-elements as topography, climate, ocean and seas, soil, plants and animals, is an intrinsically well-integrated entity. To understand this intrinsically well-integrated entity calls for analysis as well as synthesis, separate studies of the origin, development and distribution of the different constituent-elements as well as an overall study of the origin, development and distribution of the whole entity.