Written by: Jifan Wu, Jingyi Zhou, Jiahan Zhu
Photos and Edited by: Ying Chen, Anyu Lin
From April 13 to April 15, 2024, Professor Paul Cheshire, Emeritus Professor of Economic Geography at the London School of Economics and Fellow of the Academy of the Social Sciences, visited the college of economics at Xiamen University. Besides his academic commitments, Professor Cheshire interacted with students, sharing insights from his vast experience in Economics. These interactions included formal discussions and an exploration of local economic realities, creating an engaging and enlightening experience for the students.
Brewing Ideas over Tea
A friendly tea time session was held with Professor Cheshire and graduate students from the Chow Institute. The session was a collaborative exchange of ideas. The professor provided companionship, insightful advice, and constructive discussions on student research topics.
Discussions covered topics such as rapid urbanization in China and associated housing market risks, the shift to remote work during the pandemic, and the impacts of digital platforms on local labor markets. He also connected research findings to other international examples, including the implementation of the "Town Center First" policy in England and its effect on retail sector productivity. The tea time session went beyond professional discussions. Professor Cheshire, with his witty humor and engaging storytelling, brought laughter and warmth to an academic environment.
Digging into Xiamen's Economic Roots
To gain a deeper understanding of the local economy, we visited Xiamen's bustling fish market with Professor Cheshire. Engaging with local vendors gave us valuable insights into the practical aspects of commerce. He noted the market's dual function as both a seafood trading hub and a tourist attraction. Drawing from his extensive experience in urban economics, he explained the intricacies of local market regulation and its broader implications.
Our next destination, Gulangyu Island, provided a unique view of regional economic activities. The observable operations at Zhangzhou Port sparked conversations about the shift from labor-intensive to capital-intensive work methods, potential skill heterogeneity and their implications on income distribution. Professor Cheshire also made comparisons between the island and Venice, focusing on cultural heritage, centuries-old architecture, and trade history.
Exploring local cuisine at a regional restaurant, Professor Cheshire savored Fujian specialties like Ginger Duck and Sea Worm. While sharing meals, he intertwined narratives from his European travels with reflections on how local cuisine and consumption amenity influence the economy and social well-being.
During his short visit, Professor Cheshire offered a vibrant blend of knowledge and engagement, creating a memorable learning journey. His shared ideas and perspectives will continue to influence our research. We are grateful to the school and university for facilitating such interactive sessions with international scholars like Professor Cheshire. These experiences not only pique our academic interest but also foster our ability to interact in a diverse cultural environment, an important preparation for communicating our research on a global scale in the future.
