Urbanization Growth in China from 1990 to 2023

China’s urbanization rate grew remarkably from 26.4% in 1990 to 64.6% in 2023, reflecting one of the world’s most rapid urban transformations. China’s urbanization drive began with economic reforms in the late 20th century, leading to massive migration from rural areas to urban centers like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, which are predominantly concentrated in the country’s eastern and southeastern regions. This uneven distribution, where urban areas occupy primarily one-third of China’s landmass, has led to imbalances in regional development. While urban centers experience booming economies, improved infrastructure, and rising living standards, the rural and western regions lag behind, facing limited access to resources and fewer economic opportunities. Consequently, this urban concentration has created challenges in resource allocation, environmental management, and maintaining sustainable infrastructure development. By 2023, over 64% of China’s population resided in urban areas, accentuating the need for more balanced development strategies across the country to address regional disparities.