Urban-Rural Integration Planning: Theory and Practice in Suzhou, China

Abstract

Urban and Rural Integration development is a stage of urbanization process. China’s long-term imbalance in urban-rural development breaks down the obstacles posed by urban beneficiaries of inequality. China has already adopted a raft of policy measures to promote urban-rural integration which are currently having a positive impact to eliminate dual structure. The reform of Suzhou in urban and rural integrated development is not only inherent demand, but also the obligation to the national and regional development. This study summarizes the current theory and model on urban and rural development, builds research framework, and explores practical experience on urban and rural integrated planning in Suzhou City.