ABSTRACT
This chapter begins with a review of debates relating to embodied geographies and draws on this writing to discuss public dance and massage with reference to broader theoretical work relating to public/private space, individual/collective practices and experiences and comfort/discomfort. It focuses on how critical perspectives on embodied geographies of urban China can contribute to research within and beyond urban geography. The chapter highlights how research focused on embodiment, emotions and affect offers fruitful avenues for understanding political, economic, social, cultural and spatial practices and processes which constitute Chinese urbanism. It contributes towards reconciling abstract and subject-less approaches to embodiment with subject-sensitive research. Rapid urbanisation in China over the past decade has taken place in parallel with increasing academic interest around the world. The diversity of Chinese cities and changing economic, social, cultural and spatial relations offer fruitful avenues that are deserving of sustained research.
