Urban–Rural Coordination in Shaoxing: Small and Medium Town Development amid Urban–Rural Relationship Transformation

Abstract

For a long time, urban-rural differentiation in China has been a serious problem and urban-rural disparities have been widening. In order to improve the development level of rural areas, raise the life quality of rural residents and narrow the gap between urban and rural areas, it is necessary to promote the transformation of the urban-rural relationship in China from differentiation to coordination. Taking the case of Shaoxing as example, this paper discusses the role of small and medium towns in urban-rural relationship transformation with the following conclusions. Firstly, urban-rural relationship transformation should signify the alteration of value orientation from economy to comprehensive quality. Secondly, in view of their large quantity, unique location, and significant position, small and medium towns play an important role in urban-rural coordination development. Lastly, a systematic framework of urban-rural coordination planning is necessary which should concern the aspects of economy, industry, population, society, environment, spatial layout, facilities, cultural characteristics, landscape and policy etc., with particular focus on the development of featured township industries and the enhancement of public services and infrastructure equity.