Similar phenomena are manifested under specific circumstances and in specific areas, such as environmental protection (Kostka and Nahm 2017, Rooij 2006, Zhang 2017b, Zhou et al. 2013), economic development, or urbanization processes (Bulman 2016, Lee and Zhang 2013, Oi 1999, Whiting 2000), each with its own particular form and its own rhythm of occurrence. As such, each can be examined in its own right. Indeed, there are separate literatures on these specific issues – central–local government relations, regional development, policy implementation, and so forth.