This book investigates how the transition from imperial rule to a republican state in early 20th-century China fundamentally altered the relationship between the government and the individual through the implementation of new political symbols and ceremonies. Henrietta Harrison, a scholar of modern Chinese history, utilizes a diverse array of primary sources—including local gazetteers, personal diaries, and state archives—to analyze how the state attempted to construct a new national identity. She argues that the shift toward republicanism required citizens to abandon traditional ritual practices in favor of modern, state-sanctioned political performances.

Scholars frequently cite this work as a significant contribution to the study of Chinese political culture and the social history of the early Republic. Experts highlight the text for its meticulous archival research and its ability to bridge the gap between high-level political history and the lived experiences of ordinary citizens.