A path dependence perspective on the Chinese cadastral system

• Chinese cadastral system shows strong path dependence both in the legal and organisational processes.
• The evolution of Chinese cadastral system is not a linear process as it involves adjustment and reconfiguration.
• It is significant to look Chinese cadastral system in its unique historical, political, economic and cultural environment.
• More attention on choosing the path in the process of cadastral system development is needed.

Cadastral systems differ in countries due to specific historical, political, economic and cultural context. The fundamental role of cadastral system in land administration is well acknowledged which leads to increasing interest from researchers worldwide. Despite China being the most populous country in the world, its cadastral system is rarely studied. This paper aims to use path dependence as an interpretive lens to analyse the historical background and existing situation of the cadastral system in China. Three stages in the Chinese cadastral system are identified: the contingent phase, the self-reinforcing phase and the lock-in phase from the perspective of path dependence. According to the analysis, it is evident that the current cadastral system in China shows the strong path dependence both in legal and organisational processes in the development of a system embedded in a wider social context. This analysis will be of value for the limited research currently available on the Chinese cadastral system by increasing our understanding of the evolution of the system through the path dependence perspective. Ultimately, a better understanding of this perspective will assist in the development of the Chinese cadastral system and also provide perspective for comparative studies in different countries on cadastral issues.