Core Viewpoint - The recent Central Urban Work Conference marks a new historical stage in urban development in China, emphasizing urban renewal as a key strategy to optimize urban structure, enhance quality, and ensure safety while pursuing a unique path of urban modernization with Chinese characteristics [1][3]. Transition in Urbanization Phase - China's urbanization is shifting from a rapid growth phase to a stable development phase, with urban development transitioning from large-scale expansion to quality enhancement and efficiency improvement [3]. - The urbanization growth rate has decreased from an average of 1.38 percentage points per year from 2001 to 2020 to 0.78 percentage points per year from 2021 to 2024, indicating the end of the scale expansion era [3]. Change in Development Philosophy - The conference emphasizes a shift from a "materialistic" to a "human-centered" development philosophy, focusing on people's needs and experiences rather than merely economic indicators like GDP growth [4][5]. - The goal is to create more inclusive and warmer cities that prioritize the well-being and happiness of residents [5]. Shift in Development Methods - The conference highlights the need to transition from "extensive expansion" to "intensive development," advocating for efficient use of urban land and resources [6][8]. - Emphasis is placed on promoting a "compact city" concept and developing a circular economy to reduce environmental impact [8]. Transformation of Development Drivers - Urban development is moving from reliance on external factors like land and labor to internal drivers such as distinctive development and innovation [9]. - Cities are encouraged to leverage their unique resources and foster innovation to maintain competitiveness [9]. Focus on Governance - The conference calls for a shift in focus from construction to governance, highlighting the importance of enhancing urban governance capabilities and systems [10][11]. - Investment in governance, including talent and technology, is essential for improving urban management and citizen satisfaction [11]. Integrated Approach to Urban Development - The need for a coordinated and systematic approach to urban development is emphasized, moving away from fragmented methods [12]. - The integration of various planning and governance efforts is crucial for addressing urban challenges effectively [12]. Conclusion - The Central Urban Work Conference outlines a comprehensive framework for urban development in China, focusing on five key transformations: human-centered philosophy, intensive development, innovative drivers, governance enhancement, and coordinated methods, aiming to pave a new path for urban modernization [13].