Research Progress and Prospects of Shrinking Cities

Abstract

This Amidst the wave of globalization and urbanization, the phenomenon of urban shrinkage is gradually becoming a "new normal" in urban development, triggering a series of profound questions regarding urban sustainability. With profound changes in the domestic and international socio-economic environment, the phenomenon of urban shrinkage has also begun to emerge in some cities and regions in China, posing a severe challenge in the process of new urbanization. This phenomenon not only challenges the traditional concepts of urban planning and management, but also prompts scholars in the field of economic geography to re-examine and conduct further research. This article aims to summarize the latest progress in the study of shrinking cities, delve into their connotation, identification criteria and type classification, underlying causes and mechanisms, as well as coping strategies. By doing so, we hope to provide theoretical support and practical guidance for the research and practice of urban shrinkage issues in China, and promote sustainable urban development and modernization of governance.