Rural-Urban Divide Blurring in China

As China's cities grow, the economic policy that determines who is a rural resident and who is an urban resident are in need of some changes, according to this article.

1 minute read

January 9, 2010, 11:00 AM PST

By Nate Berg


"At present 46% of China's population (some 600 million people) is classified as urban, while some of the 700 million considered rural already live under semi-urban conditions. Urban incomes and expenditure are three times higher, on average, than their rural equivalent.

Hukou reform is one of the longest-running sagas of Chinese economic policy, but has never made it on to the statute book. This time, Chinese economists note, the conditions are right. The global economic crisis has made a change of course inevitable.

The decision to change now 'has a lot to do with the government's plan of structural adjustments for China's growth model ... Urbanisation is one of the structural adjustments aimed at reducing China's reliance on external demand,' writes Yao Yang, a researcher at the China Centre for Economic Research, in an article on ending hukou, published by the China Daily."

Thursday, January 7, 2010 in Guardian

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

High-rise apartment buildings in Waikiki, Hawaii with steep green mountains in background.

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss

The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

April 6, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Two yellow and white Dallas Area Rapid Transit light rail streetcars at station in Dallas, Texas.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region

At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

April 3, 2025 - KERA News

Rusty abandoned oil well and equipment with prickly pear cactus next to it in West Texas.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage

Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

March 31, 2025 - Pennsylvania State University

Aerial view of Spanish revival style buildings with red tile roofs in downtown Santa Barbara, California.

Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land

County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.

5 hours ago - The Santa Barbara Independent

Green and white interstate freeway signs pointing to Hayward and San Mateo and Half Moon Bay exits in Northern California.

San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project

The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.

6 hours ago - Streetsblog San Francisco

Kingsbridge Armory, large hangar-like brick building in the Bronx, New York City with brick lower floors and glass/metal curved roof..

A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard

After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.

7 hours ago - Shelterforce Magazine