How to help Beijing reduce its urban woes

With the "urban disease" becoming increasingly evident in Beijing, relocation of departments with non-capital functions outside the city has become a serious issue.

State capitals across the world have huge advantages over other cities. This is especially true for China, because Beijing has always been the most robust center of Chinese society. Because of its advantages in drawing talents, and as a center of information, culture and technology, Beijing has been a magnet for people.

It is this magnetism, along with Chinese people's traditional view of seeing the capital as an all-embracing social core, that is largely responsible for Beijing's overpopulation. It has also made it the hub of a huge number of companies, with deteriorating environment and poor urban management.