In the future China's second-tier cities will be diversified,
each with a distinct identity. They will also be more
people-oriented and emphasize environmental protection; they will
be more comfortable and beautiful as well, said Shi Peihua,
researcher with the National Reform and Development Commission, in
an interview with reporters from China Youth Biweekly.
Development of the second-line cities drives growth of
surrounding areas
Urban construction is being carried out at all levels. The
development of the second-tier cities has promoted the growth of
specialty industries in neighboring cities, such as tourism,
agriculture and trade.
An increase of the second-tier cities will also drive the
increase of the third-tier cities, comparatively concentrating
infrastructures so that neighboring cities have good prospects.
This helps them obtain easier approval from investors to undertake
city construction and development.
Second-tier cities aim at being regional central cities
instead of metropolises
The patterns of city layout in China cannot be supported only by
promoting several big cities; it is necessary to develop
second-tier cites to balance urban and rural development and also
to realize balanced development among different regions. The
balanced urban layout can only be achieved through the second-tier
cities that put more impetus onto surrounding areas.
China's second-tier cities are experiencing transition from the
initial phase of industrialization to the middle phase, due to the
high speed of urbanization and rapid population growth. It is not
easy for farmers to make their living in big cities such as Beijing
and Shanghai. Second-tier cities are the best for farmers and
industry accumulation.
The combined costs of any given city environment, supporting
industry functions and exploration in the second-tier cities are
comparatively lower so these cities have become the best critical
points for investment. Generally cities with a population of 500
thousand functions almost perfectly; in fact, they are the most
suitable places to live. These second-tier cities demonstrate
innovative undertakings and lifestyles. Their comprehensive
advantages are highlighted through attracting investment from small
and middle investors as well as international investors, so they
will continue to enjoy prosperous future development.
Second- tier cities should seek further
growth
All the second-tier cities seek breakthroughs in their
development. As the absorptive capacity of the second-tier cities
becomes greater, external conditions and resources will be
available for their breakthrough. The second-tier cities should
establish a new urban system and develop into megalopolises to
avoid old problems of big cities. They must establish a harmonious
regional environment.
The development of the second-tier cities should be stratified
and based on a division of labor, which is the only way that a
harmonious regional environment can be realized. The current
regional relations should be managed through marketing approaches
and utilizing a philosophy of harmony and sympathetic response,
whereas in the past relations were adjusted through administrative
orders. A philosophy of equality and harmony should be established
gradually, ecological communities should be further strengthened
and industrial relations based on a division of labor and
coordination should be further rationalized. Coordination is needed
for these measures.
The second-line cities take measures to confront stress
and crisis
The following measures should be taken to deal with population
and environmental pressures and the conflict between ecological
crisis and economic benefit.
First, an ecological baseline should be identified and
maintained, such as the location's capability to resist
earthquakes, as well as industrial absorption capacity,
transportation and important infrastructures capacities.
Restrictions on water consumption, land, transportation and
management should also be enforced.
Second, the second-tier cities should create new forms of growth
to advance their grades, which is achieved mainly through upgrading
industries, optimizing space and improving industrial services. For
example, Computers of 486 model upgraded into 586 model can hold
more software, thus users can enjoy more computer games.
Third, coordination is necessary. Industries or investment that
cannot be digested in the second-tier cities should be transferred
into other cities, which aims at utilization instead of
possession.
Second- tier cities actively respond to the challenges
of labor cost
The second-tier cities should not always depend on low labor
costs to attract investment and they should make room for the
development of other small cities. This does not mean that
second-tier cities will do nothing. Rather, they will
simultaneously develop in finance, science and technology and
business.
The second- tier cities will play a leading a role in 20
years
China's growth depends on not only big cities but also the
second-tier cities. These cities will participate in international
competition and cooperation after they have become bellwethers of
surrounding areas. Urban planners predict that China's second-tier
cities will diversify and develop into megalopolises, each with a
distinct identity. They will also be more people-oriented and
emphasize environmental protection; they will be more comfortable
and beautiful as well.
(China.org.cn, by Yang Xi, October 31, 2007)