By the Department of Development Strategy and Regional Economy, the DRC, and compiled by Liu Yunzhong

Research Report No 113, 2013

Abstract:

County-level cities in China have their own special characteristics. Not only do they share some similarities with urban cities in China, they also have close connections with rural areas.

County-level cities exist between urban areas and rural areas. Small population, low population density and backwards infrastructure are the main challenges facing county-level cities in China. In addition, county-level cities are usually far from big cities and lack access to key markets in the region.

County-level cities should take their own individual situation into consideration when addressing development. Those located near big cities can be integrated into the development of city clusters. For those that are far from big cities, more policies should be worked out to support their development.