《中国特大镇研究报告2025》：701个特大镇贡献全国6.3%GDP

Core Insights - The report highlights that China's 701 large towns contribute approximately 6.3% of the national GDP while occupying less than 1% of the country's land area, showcasing their economic efficiency [1][2] - The economic output per unit area in these towns is 10.5 times the national average, indicating their role as significant engines of regional economic growth [1][2] - The report categorizes the economic development of large towns into four main types: industrial strongholds, commercial hubs, cultural tourism centers, and agricultural towns, reflecting a diverse growth pattern [2] Economic Contribution - Large towns in China, defined as those with a permanent population of over 100,000, have increased in number to 701 by the end of 2024, up by 7 from 2023 [2] - These towns have demonstrated enhanced economic clustering and output efficiency, with a notable contribution to the national economy [2] - The report emphasizes the advantages of location and solid industrial foundations in these towns, which have led to the emergence of scale, scope, and innovation economies [2] Population Aggregation - The average permanent population in large towns is 152,600, nearing the size of some small counties in central and western China [4] - The town with the highest population is Shishan Town in Foshan, Guangdong, with 955,000 residents, surpassing some prefecture-level cities [4] - Population density in these towns averages 1,736 people per square kilometer, comparable to major cities like Zhengzhou, with some towns exceeding 12,500 people per square kilometer [4] Structural Challenges - The rapid economic expansion of large towns has led to a structural mismatch between their economic size and administrative powers, resulting in challenges such as imbalanced responsibilities and insufficient administrative efficiency [5] - The report suggests that these towns face issues related to public service supply and demand, which could impact the quality of life for millions of new urban residents [5] - Recommendations include reforms to enhance fiscal autonomy, foster industrial upgrades, and promote regional collaboration to unlock the potential of "town economy" [5] Research Methodology - The research team developed a comprehensive indicator system to assess the overall strength of large towns, focusing on dimensions such as economic development quality, living standards, environmental sustainability, and social progress [6] - The system includes 26 indicators, such as permanent population, available financial resources, retail sales per capita, and industrial output, to objectively evaluate the towns' performance [6]