China urbanization rate exceeds 50%

SHANGHAI - China's urbanization rate had reached 51.3 percent by the end of 2011, according to a report released Tuesday by the China Association of Mayors (CAM).

The China Urban Development Report 2011 shows by the end of last year, the country had 30 cities whose permanent population has topped 8 million, and there were 13 cities with a population of more than 10 million.

With over half of China's population now living in cities, experts noted that the country should still improve conditions in its urban centers by paying more attention to people's quality of life, the balance of urban and rural development, benefits for migrant workers and protection of natural and cultural resources.

The CAM was established in 1991 as approved by the State Council. It has organized experts and scholars to compile the annual China Urban Development Report since 2001.