Core Insights - The forum focused on the development of new urbanization during the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, emphasizing the importance of integration across various dimensions such as regional, urban-rural, industrial, digital, green, cultural, and safety aspects [1][2] Urban Agglomeration Construction - Current urban agglomerations and metropolitan areas primarily exist in a physical state, lacking deep economic and social interactions, leading to a dominance of central cities over smaller towns and rural areas [2] - The central government's focus is on promoting integration and collaboration within urban agglomerations rather than mere scale expansion, necessitating a balance between connectivity and differentiation [2][3] Infrastructure and Public Services - Emphasis on improving the connection between new and old infrastructure, addressing issues like "dead-end roads" and ensuring uniform standards across various infrastructures [3] - The importance of enhancing the connectivity of basic public services is highlighted, with a focus on collaborative efforts to share quality resources among cities [3] Urban-Rural Integration - The central government prioritizes urban-rural integration, recognizing the need for cities to support rural development, as rural areas remain the weakest link in modernization efforts [5][6] - Key reforms are needed to facilitate the two-way flow of resources between urban and rural areas, including household registration and land system reforms [6] Population Trends and Predictions - Predictions indicate a continuous decline in rural population, with estimates suggesting a drop from 465 million to 398 million by 2030, and further to 353 million by 2035 [7] - The number of administrative villages is expected to decrease significantly, leading to challenges such as village vacancy and inefficient land use [7] Quality of Urbanization - The relationship between speed and quality in urbanization is crucial, with a focus on improving urbanization quality as a primary goal [7] - Despite a slowdown, urbanization in China is projected to continue, with urbanization rates expected to reach 71.5% by 2030 and 74.6% by 2035 [7]

Core Viewpoint - Wuhan is urged to take the lead in six key areas to accelerate its development as a national central city, focusing on high-quality growth and overcoming development bottlenecks [1][2]. Group 1: Development Goals - The goal is to build "five centers" and to act as a leading hub for the Yangtze River Economic Belt and the central region's rise [1][2]. - The emphasis is on achieving a significant transformation over the next decade, with a focus on high-quality development and urban advancement [1]. Group 2: Strategic Focus Areas - Key areas for breakthrough include enhancing urban capacity, strengthening comprehensive strength, and promoting technological self-reliance through innovation and industrial transformation [3]. - As a core city, Wuhan is expected to play a pivotal role in regional coordination, deepening reforms, and becoming an inland open highland [3]. Group 3: Cultural and Social Development - There is a focus on cultural heritage and developing Wuhan into a world-renowned cultural tourism destination, alongside improving urban governance and enhancing the well-being of its citizens [3]. - The call for a shift in mindset from "middle-income" to a more ambitious and competitive spirit is emphasized, aiming for first-class standards and achievements [3].