Active yet prudent urbanization needed for China (2)

Control Megacities' Size in Urbanization

Premier Wen Jiabao said megacities and large cities should be kept to an appropriate size and they should fully play their role in driving the development of surrounding areas.

The concentration of education, medical care, work opportunities and other resources are major attractions for people who swarm into big cities.

However, the excessive density of population will affect the operation efficiency and quality of life, in addition to the strained supply of energy and other resources.

Currently, large cities face great challenges in economic structure, planning, construction, management, environment and public services.

"A big population does not necessarily mean good for a city. What is important is that a city should have its own distinctive features and is livable," said Pan Jiahua, head of the Urban and Environmental Studies Institute at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

Large cities should focus on high value-added industries such as high-tech and cultural sectors, whereas small and medium-sized cities and small towns develop their distinctive industries, Pan said.

It is a must to underline the scientific development of cities and enhance the overall quality of them and urbanization, stressed leading analysts in an urban development report by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.