By Zhang Xiaohuan & Wu Hong, Research Team on “The Innovative Development Model of Small Towns with Distinctive Local Features in China in the New Era”, DRC

Research Report, Special Issue, No.13, 2019 (Total 1641) 2019-1-25

Abstract: In recent years, in light of the changing urban and regional environment, various regions in China are vigorously promoting the construction of small towns with distinctive local features. The common purpose of such a move is to cultivate new drivers for economic and social development, improve the quality of urbanization drive, promote local economic and social transformation, build a well-off society on schedule, and better serve the country's medium and long-term development strategy. Viewing from the perspective of development, the small towns with distinctive local features have given expression to the implementation of relevant policies, fully demonstrating the development vitality of China’s historical and classic industries and emerging industries, and lending enchantment to the cultural and tourism views of different regions in China. However, constrained by factors such as resources, environment, population and market, the construction roadmaps and effects of the small towns in different regions are quite different. An analysis of the development roadmaps, effects and motivation of these small towns in different regions of China could help us to draw lessons from relevant experience and this would be of great positive significance for us to continue to effectively promote the construction of such small towns at home.

Key words: small towns with distinctive local features, the layout of industrial towns, domestic experience