By Liu Yunzhong, Department of Development Strategy and Regional Economy, DRC; Liu Jiajie, College of Urban and Environmental Services, Peking University

Research Report, No. 111, 2020 (Total 5855) 2020-5-15

Abstract: Metropolitan areas are important spatial carriers for promoting the new type of urbanization, thus accelerating the construction of these areas is of great significance for forming the urbanization spatial layout with the balanced development of “city clusters, urban agglomeration, central cites, small- and medium-sized cities and small towns with distinctive local features.” Based on the current definition of urban agglomeration, this paper illustrates the distribution and spatial range of 38 metropolitan areas in China according to the population and transportation data. Main characteristics are as follows. In terms of the regional distribution, the metropolitan areas are basically located in eastern and central regions. The spatial coverage of the metropolitan areas is generally bigger than the administrative range of central cities. Among them, the Nanjing metropolitan area goes beyond the provincial administrative boundary. In addition, there is a significant difference in their development levels, and 17 metropolitan areas that are undergoing positive construction enjoy a huge development potential. In light of the foregoing facts, relevant policy options for advancing the development of metropolitan areas are proposed. It is advisable to promote the development of different metropolitan areas by regions and categories, enhance the capacity of urban transportation, information and health infrastructure to build smart and resilient cities, and formulate and supervise the implementation of urban planning with the provincial governments as the main entities to assume responsibilities.

Keywords: distribution of metropolitan areas, characteristics, development level, guiding measures