[Urbanization in China. Data on the transformation of the urban system]

Recent trends in urbanization in China are analyzed. "This article presents new figures, as recently published in China, discusses their significance and draws some conclusions about the quality of modern urbanization in China. There are mainly three basic factors responsible for the present situation: 1. The tremendous increase in the rural population; 2. The influence of historical times from which two different city systems evolved (the traditional one and the colonial); 3. The planning strategies since 1949." The author notes that although the overall level of urbanization is low, there are considerable differences in regional urbanization levels. It is suggested that there have been profound changes in the Chinese urban system and urban spatial distribution patterns, which are not yet reflected in the available statistics. (SUMMARY IN ENG)