Urbanisation in China

Abstract

The paper describes changes in the rate of Chinese urbanisation since 1945. The urban population has become concentrated into a few very large cities and many small towns, with the highest densities on the east coast where four megalopolises have evolved. The relationship between urban growth and economic growth is examined, although the manner in which workplace and residence data are compiled causes problems. Changes in agricultural technology are now generating labour surpluses in rural areas and many farmer-workers are moving to urban areas where there is considerable cultural conflict between rural migrants and their host urban communities. Government policy has changed, recognising that attempts to restrict the movement of displaced rural workers to adjacent small towns is economically inefficient, and promoting the development of medium-sized cities.