Enhancing Urban–Rural Integration in China: A Comparative Case Study of Introducing Small Rural Industries in Huangyan-Taizhou

Huang Huang, Daijun Song, Liyao Wang, Guiqing Yang (), Yizheng Wang, Liyuan Fei and Ava Lynam
Additional contact information
Huang Huang: Department of Urban Planning, Key Laboratory of Spatial Intelligent Planning Technology, Ministry of Natural Resources, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
Daijun Song: Shanghai Tongji Urban Planning and Design Institute Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200092, China
Liyao Wang: Department of Urban Planning, Key Laboratory of Spatial Intelligent Planning Technology, Ministry of Natural Resources, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
Guiqing Yang: Department of Urban Planning, Key Laboratory of Spatial Intelligent Planning Technology, Ministry of Natural Resources, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
Yizheng Wang: Shanghai Tongji Urban Planning and Design Institute Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200092, China
Liyuan Fei: China Academy of Urban Planning and Design, Shanghai Branch, Shanghai 200092, China
Ava Lynam: Center for Cultural Studies on Science and Technology in China (CCST), Technical University of Berlin, 10553 Berlin, Germany

Land, 2024, vol. 13, issue 7, 1-24

Abstract: Strengthening urban–rural linkages (URLs) has been proposed by UN-Habitat within the framework of ‘Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)’ to narrow down urban–rural differences via shaping new urban–rural relationships. Like URL, the aim of urban–rural integration (URI) has been promoted by the Chinese government since 2019 to address existing urban–rural divides. This concept underlines the ‘rural revitalisation’ strategy and emphasises a two-way flow of urban–rural development factors. Introducing and upgrading ‘appropriate’ rural industries is crucial to stimulate and facilitate the circulation of urban–rural development factors. This research studied three neighbouring villages, situated in urban–rural interface areas in Huangyan-Taizhou, China, each driven by different types of small industries supported by URI. It analyses the impact of small rural industries on the flow of development factors between urban and rural areas. The results showed that small-scale rural industries have been enhanced URL by decreasing urban–rural differences by creating new job opportunities to attract an in-flow population, increasing investments, and upgrading public services and infrastructure. Indigenous industries demonstrated lower profitability but exhibited greater resilience compared to industries linked to global production chains and rural tourism. Thus, this study demonstrates the imperative to carefully consider the opportunities and potential risks associated with pursuing strategies of URI through rural industry development. By providing empirical insights from URI projects in China, this study contributes to theoretical and policy dialogues concerning the concepts of both URL and URI by exploring the localization of SDGs. Furthermore, it offers valuable practical knowledge and experience for other global regions confronting similar challenges to urban and rural development.

Keywords: urban–rural integration; urban–rural linkages; small rural industries; flow of development factors; urban–rural interface (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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