China is reimagining urbanization by prioritizing counties as key drivers of sustainable development. Known as 'new urbanization,' this strategy aims to bridge urban-rural gaps while boosting economic resilience.
Si Wei, Dean at the College of Economics and Management, Chinese Agricultural University, highlights that counties serve as vital hubs for resource allocation and cultural preservation. 'Counties can balance modern infrastructure with local heritage,' he notes, comparing the approach to 'building a smartphone with customizable features instead of a one-size-fits-all model.'
Why counties? With 1,800+ county-level regions housing over 600 million people, they’re seen as 'Goldilocks zones'—small enough for agile policymaking but large enough to impact national goals like carbon neutrality and tech innovation. Think of it as China’s real-life version of Minecraft—strategically placing blocks (industries, green spaces, transport) to create thriving ecosystems.
Young professionals and entrepreneurs might find fresh opportunities here: think eco-tourism startups, smart agriculture ventures, or AI-driven logistics. For travelers, it could mean discovering hidden cultural gems as counties modernize without losing their unique charm.
