Interpretaion of the latest development pattern of transformation from "town" into "small city" in China: a case study based on 27 pilot towns in Zhejiang Province

Abstract

In the process of urbanization in China, the biggest challenge is how to transform the ‘town’ into the ‘city’. It is also a vital link in urbanization. The Chinese government put forward the strategy which aims on speeding up the urbanization development in November 2013. Meanwhile, China has selected some pilot towns, which are intended to become cities in the end, for tentative transformation. Zhejiang Province, which ranks top among the country in economic strength, amount of village and development level and quantity, has become an important national pilot carrier. So far there are 27 pilot towns. By analyzing the development situation of 27 pilot towns, this paper analyzes this particular phenomenon of urbanization and summarize its characteristics.