Andrew Field: Chronicler of China’s Urban Culture and Music Revolutions
Exploring the academic legacy, documentary brilliance, and cultural insights of a modern-day historian of Chinese nightlife
Quick Bio
| Full Name | Andrew David Field |
|---|---|
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Historian, Author, Filmmaker |
| Current Role | Associate Professor, DKU |
| Education | BA – Dartmouth, PhD – Columbia |
| Specialty | Chinese Urban & Music Culture |
| Known For | Books on Shanghai, Indie Rock Docs |
| Languages | English, Mandarin, Japanese |
Andrew Field has established himself as a leading voice in the study of Chinese urban cultural history. With a deep academic foundation and a flair for storytelling, Field brings China’s modern nightlife, indie rock scenes, and jazz legacies to life through both scholarly research and documentary filmmaking.
His academic career spans over two decades, including a prestigious role as Associate Professor at Duke Kunshan University. His work goes beyond conventional history books—he explores how cities breathe after dark, how music drives social change, and how Chinese cultural expression has evolved.
Academic Background and Global Learning
Early Education and Ivy League Foundation
Field earned his Bachelor’s degree in Asian Studies from Dartmouth College in 1991. His undergraduate education provided the foundation for his passion for East Asian cultures, particularly China. Recognized for his academic excellence, he graduated magna cum laude and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa.
Continuing his journey, he completed his M.A., M.Phil., and Ph.D. in East Asian Languages and Cultures at Columbia University. His dissertation focused on Shanghai’s nightlife and modernity, setting the tone for a career that bridges history, music, and city life.
International Teaching Experience
Before joining Duke Kunshan University, Field held faculty and program leadership positions at respected institutions across the globe. His previous appointments included Dartmouth College, Boston University, and the University of New South Wales. These experiences enriched his academic worldview and reinforced his global teaching ethos.
Career at Duke Kunshan University
Associate Professor and Curriculum Developer
Since 2015, Andrew Field has been part of Duke Kunshan University (DKU), where he teaches courses on Chinese history, urban studies, and cultural transformation. As an Associate Professor, he plays a critical role in shaping DKU’s liberal arts curriculum with a focus on contemporary China.
He is also known for developing hands-on, experience-based learning. Field takes students to real-world sites such as Shanghai’s historic districts and live music venues. His teaching approach helps learners connect theoretical knowledge with vibrant cultural contexts.
Champion of Cultural Immersion
Field’s approach is not confined to lecture halls. He emphasizes cultural immersion, encouraging students to engage directly with local artists, musicians, and historians. His goal is to foster global citizens who understand China not just through texts but through lived experience.
Landmark Publications
Shanghai’s Dancing World and Mu Shiying
Andrew Field published Shanghai’s Dancing World in 2010, a groundbreaking study of Shanghai’s cabaret culture during the Republican era. It paints a vivid picture of the fusion between politics, nightlife, and urban identity.
In 2014, he co-authored Mu Shiying: China’s Lost Modernist, shedding light on one of the lesser-known literary figures of early 20th-century China. The book was praised for its depth and innovative analysis.
Rocking China: A Cultural Milestone
His latest book, Rocking China, released in 2023, offers a comprehensive exploration of China’s indie rock scene. Field conducted years of fieldwork and interviews with influential bands such as Hedgehog, SUBS, and Carsick Cars. The book serves as a cultural archive, capturing the raw energy of China’s underground music evolution.
Documentary Filmmaking: From Shanghai to Soundwaves
Down: Indie Rock in the PRC
In 2012, Field co-produced Down: Indie Rock in the PRC, a documentary that explores the underground music movement in Beijing and Shanghai. The film highlights how young musicians in China use rock music as a form of rebellion and identity.
This documentary was among the first to authentically capture China’s modern youth culture, giving audiences outside China a glimpse into an emerging subculture.
A Century of Jazz in Shanghai
In 2021, Field released A Century of Jazz in Shanghai, a historical documentary that traces the evolution of jazz music in China. From colonial clubs to today’s fusion performances, the film showcases how jazz became a symbol of cross-cultural interaction in Shanghai.
Shanghai Sojourns: A Portal to China’s Nightlife
Andrew Field also curates a blog titled Shanghai Sojourns, where he publishes essays, interviews, and travel stories. The blog blends personal narrative with historical research, making complex topics accessible to general audiences.
Through this platform, Field explores everything from the architecture of old jazz clubs to interviews with street performers and indie musicians. It serves as both an educational resource and a living diary of cultural discovery.
Recognitions and Impact
Field’s work is widely respected in both academic and artistic communities. His books are used in university syllabi, and his films have been screened in educational and cultural festivals. He is often invited to speak at international conferences, bringing China’s lesser-known cultural stories to a global audience.
His influence is particularly evident among students and scholars interested in interdisciplinary studies. By combining history, musicology, sociology, and film, he provides a unique model of modern humanistic research.
Future Outlook and Ongoing Work
As of 2025, Andrew Field continues to teach, write, and film. His future projects are expected to further explore the intersections of digital culture, urban change, and music in East Asia. With every lecture and production, Field redefines how we understand the human dimensions of Chinese history.
Whether through classrooms or documentaries, Field’s legacy is one of cultural empathy and intellectual curiosity.
🙋 Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Andrew Field?
Andrew Field is an American historian, author, and documentary filmmaker who specialises in Chinese urban culture and music history. He teaches at Duke Kunshan University.
What are Andrew Field’s most notable books?
His most well-known works include Shanghai’s Dancing World, Mu Shiying: China’s Lost Modernist, Shanghai Nightscapes, and Rocking China.
What documentaries has he created?
He co-produced Down: Indie Rock in the PRC and produced A Century of Jazz in Shanghai, both highlighting China’s evolving music scenes.
What is his role at Duke Kunshan University?
He serves as an Associate Professor of Chinese History, where he also helps develop interdisciplinary and experiential learning programs.
What is Shanghai Sojourns?
Shanghai Sojourns is Field’s blog that documents his cultural observations and research on Chinese music, nightlife, and urban transformation.
