“一城独大”的时代要过去了？

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the shift from a "one city dominates" model in provincial capitals to a more balanced approach that encourages the development of multiple sub-center cities within provinces, as highlighted by recent government policies aimed at promoting high-quality urban development [5][10]. Group 1: Government Policies and Initiatives - The State Council has issued opinions to promote the cultivation of provincial sub-center cities, indicating a strategic shift from focusing solely on provincial capitals [5]. - The concept of developing multiple centers in provinces has been discussed since 2020, with various documents emphasizing the need to avoid the pitfalls of a single dominant city [5][7]. Group 2: Economic Disparities and Historical Context - The "strong provincial capital" strategy has historically been a common characteristic of regional development in China, leading to significant economic disparities between provincial capitals and other cities [7][10]. - In economically developed provinces, cities often exhibit a "dual-core" model, where political and economic centers are distinct, promoting balanced resource distribution and regional collaboration [7][10]. Group 3: Economic Performance of Provincial Capitals - The article provides a ranking of provincial capitals based on their economic primacy, with cities like Yinchuan and Changchun showing high economic dominance, contributing over 50% to their respective provincial GDPs [8]. - The economic performance of provincial capitals varies significantly, with some cities like Xi'an and Chengdu experiencing rapid growth, further widening the gap with other cities in their provinces [10][11]. Group 4: Challenges and Future Directions - The article highlights the challenges of implementing the shift from a "one city dominates" model, noting that historical patterns and administrative practices complicate the transition [15][20]. - There is a need for a balanced approach to resource allocation that does not solely rely on administrative decisions but also considers local strengths and opportunities for development [21][22].