Introduction:
The spread of cities and urban culture in China had a significant influence on the development of printing culture. This can be attributed to several factors that emerged as a result of urbanization and the growth of cities.

1. Increase in literacy:
As cities grew, there was an increase in literacy rates among the urban population. The concentration of people in cities led to the establishment of schools and other educational institutions, promoting literacy and education. This rise in literacy created a demand for printed materials, such as books, newspapers, and pamphlets, which further stimulated the printing industry.

2. Access to printing technology:
Cities provided a conducive environment for the development and dissemination of printing technology. The concentration of skilled craftsmen, such as woodblock carvers and printers, in urban areas allowed for the exchange of knowledge and techniques. This facilitated the spread of printing technology and the improvement of printing quality.

3. Demand for information and entertainment:
Urbanization brought about a need for information and entertainment among the urban population. Cities were hubs of commerce, politics, and culture, leading to a high demand for newspapers, books, and other printed materials. Printing houses flourished in cities to meet this demand and cater to the growing urban market.

4. Spread of ideas and knowledge:
Cities became centers of intellectual and cultural exchange. Scholars, writers, and artists flocked to cities, contributing to the development of a vibrant intellectual community. The printing industry played a crucial role in disseminating ideas and knowledge through the publication of scholarly works, philosophical treatises, and literary works. This facilitated the spread of new ideas and contributed to the cultural and intellectual development of urban society.

5. Standardization and mass production:
The growth of cities led to the standardization and mass production of printed materials. Printing houses in urban areas could produce books, newspapers, and other materials in larger quantities, making them more affordable and accessible to a wider audience. This resulted in the democratization of knowledge and information, as well as the popularization of reading.

Conclusion:
The spread of cities and urban culture in China had a profound impact on printing culture. It led to increased literacy rates, the dissemination of printing technology, a higher demand for information and entertainment, the spread of ideas and knowledge, and the standardization and mass production of printed materials. These factors collectively contributed to the flourishing of printing culture in urban areas and played a crucial role in the cultural and intellectual development of China.

As the urban culture bloomed(say prospered) then the 1) print culture was diversified. Diversified in the sense that now more and more people had access to books. 2) reading became a leisure activity . 3)new readership emerged. 4) many people now wrote books on various topics. 5) unlike earlier, now people were taking interest in printing and it was not limited to a rather smaller scale.