对“万亿俱乐部”祛魅

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the need for cities to acknowledge economic "contraction" and move away from the obsession with achieving a GDP of over 1 trillion yuan, suggesting that this shift is a natural progression towards creating more livable and beautiful urban environments [1][7]. Group 1: Economic Growth and the "Trillion Club" - The "Trillion Club" concept emerged around 2012, with Shenzhen being the fourth city to surpass the 1 trillion yuan GDP mark, setting a benchmark for understanding China's uneven economic development [3]. - The expansion of the "Trillion Club" reflects the continuous growth of China's overall economic output and indicates significant changes in regional economic structures [5]. - As of now, nearly 30 cities are part of the "Trillion Club," with new members like Wenzhou expected to join soon, highlighting the competitive nature of achieving this economic milestone [3][5]. Group 2: Changing Economic Context - The GDP growth rate in China has decreased from 9.2% in 2011 to an expected 5% in 2024, with an increasing number of cities experiencing negative growth or growth significantly below the national average [5]. - The phenomenon of urban polarization is evident, where larger cities attract economic resources, while some cities that have crossed the "trillion" threshold may be growing at the expense of surrounding areas [6]. Group 3: Growth vs. Quality of Life - Many cities are still focused on growth despite experiencing population decline, leading to a paradox where GDP may increase even as the population shrinks [6]. - The article argues for a shift from growth-oriented policies to a focus on quality of life, suggesting that cities should embrace the idea of "contraction" to create more sustainable and attractive living environments [7].