Focus on people not buildings

The urbanization strategy is meant to integrate the rural population into urban areas, not fuel a construction boom

China formulated its urbanization strategy at the beginning of this century and it has gained widespread social recognition over the years. However, a misconception has also arisen about the urbanization strategy, with some believing it is the process of accelerating urban construction and urbanizing rural areas. This misconception has led to an urban building boom and the loss of arable land to urban expansion.

In essence, though, the urbanization strategy should be the transfer of the rural population to urban areas. Over the past three decades or so, since China launched its reform and opening-up drive in the late 1970s, millions of farmers have migrated from rural regions to work in cities. They have been the driving force behind China's urbanization and industrialization.