Rickshaw Beijing

For my history class on Modern China, we are reading a book called Rickshaw Beijing by David Strand. It is a fascinating account about rickshaw pullers during the 1920's. It discusses who became rickshaw pullers, and the influence they would play on the economic and social system that existed in China. The book gives great insight into the role local police played in dealing with rickshaw men, even though some were rickshaw men as well. Even women would disguise themselves as men, to have the opportunity to pull rickshaws. Another fascinating issue covered is the technological progress that the rickshaw represented. While the rickshaw pullers had an extremely difficult job, they were freer and more independent than many workers. This book should definitely be viewed by anyone who has a fascination with Chinese history.