Hey there, urban explorers! 🌆 Did you know that over the past 75 years, China has transformed from a predominantly rural nation into a bustling urban giant? Let's dive into this incredible journey!
Back in 1949, only about 10.64% of China's population lived in cities. Fast forward to the end of 2023, and that number has skyrocketed to 66.16%! 🚀 That's a whopping 55.52 percentage point jump, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
Imagine this: In 1949, China had just 129 cities with a combined population of 39.49 million people. Today, there are 694 cities, and the urban population has soared to over 673 million! 🏙️
What's more, 29 of these cities each boast populations exceeding 5 million, and 11 mega-cities have over 10 million residents. Talk about urban growth! 😲
What's fueling this massive urban boom? One key factor is the development of China's less-developed western region. Since 2011, nine out of eleven new prefecture-level cities are located in the west, leading to a more balanced urbanization process across the country. 🌄
Plus, China has made it easier for people from rural areas to settle in cities. By lifting most limits on household registration in cities with less than 3 million residents, more folks are embracing city life than ever before. 🛣️
China's urbanization over the past 75 years isn't just about numbers—it's a story of transformation, opportunity, and the incredible pace of change. It reminds us that with determination and vision, nations can reshape their futures in remarkable ways. ✨
Stay tuned for more global stories that keep you in the know! 🌏
Reference(s):
cgtn.com