Revisiting China’s Urban Transition from the Perspective of Urbanisation: A Critical Review and Analysis

Hailiang Liu, Weixuan Chen (), Siqi Sun, Jiapei Yu, Yanhao Zhang and Changdong Ye ()
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Hailiang Liu: College of Fine Arts and Design, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China
Weixuan Chen: Shenzhen Tourism College, Jinan University, 6 East OCT Road, Shenzhen 518053, China
Siqi Sun: School of Art and Design, Dalian Art College, Dalian 116600, China
Jiapei Yu: School of Geographical Sciences, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, Ningbo 315100, China
Yanhao Zhang: School of Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
Changdong Ye: College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 10, 1-22

Abstract: Amidst global sustainability challenges across domains such as energy, water, and transportation, China’s urbanisation process presents unique socio-economic dynamics, particularly following the Reform and Opening Up policy. The existing literature has not fully captured the complex interplay between urban growth and sustainability challenges in China, nor has it adequately explored the phased nature of urbanisation informed by evolving policies. This paper provides a comprehensive review of China’s urban transition, emphasising its evolution since the Reform and Opening Up policy. Through systematic analysis, it delineates the multifaceted nature of urbanisation, reflecting on policy impacts and socio-economic shifts. Findings indicate transformative urban growth characterised by new challenges in environmental sustainability, social equity, and urban–rural integration. The research unveils the transition to a human-centric urban development model, highlighting policy shifts towards sustainable practices. The results suggest a nuanced urban–rural convergence, advocating for participatory governance and balanced growth. The unique contribution of this study lies in its empirical and theoretical examination of China’s urbanisation within a global context, offering a critical perspective on policy formulation and sustainable urban development.

Keywords: urban transition; policy reform; sustainable development; urban–rural integration; urbanisation; China (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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