Core Viewpoint - Guangzhou is leveraging the opportunity of hosting the 15th National Games and the Special Olympics to enhance its economic development and urban infrastructure, aligning with the recent Central Urban Work Conference's emphasis on quality over quantity in urban growth [1][2]. Urban Development Strategy - The Central Urban Work Conference indicates a shift from large-scale expansion to improving existing urban quality and efficiency, with a focus on optimizing urban structure, transitioning energy sources, enhancing quality, and promoting green transformation [3]. - Guangzhou's historical development has been characterized by its ability to adapt to urban development laws, strengthening its hub and open economy while enhancing its attractiveness to population and industry through urban renewal and improved business environments [3]. Major Events and Infrastructure - Hosting major sports events like the National Games has historically provided significant boosts to Guangzhou's urban infrastructure, as seen with past events leading to substantial urban development and improvements in public services [7]. - The 137th Canton Fair has set new records for international participation, with 288,900 overseas buyers attending, marking a 17.3% increase from the previous year, and achieving an on-site export intention of $25.44 billion, a 3% increase [4]. Population Integration and Social Development - Guangzhou has proactively integrated its large influx of migrant populations, implementing policies that promote social inclusion and access to public services, such as education and housing, which have fostered a mutually beneficial relationship between the city and its residents [5][6]. Urban Renewal and Quality Improvement - The current approach to urban development emphasizes refined and efficient improvements rather than large-scale construction, focusing on community enhancements and the creation of recreational spaces that meet current citizen needs [8][9]. - The city is also expanding its metro and rail networks, with plans to open 10 new lines totaling 173 kilometers, contributing to a world-class transportation system [10]. Future Outlook - Following the National Games and Special Olympics, Guangzhou aims to continue investing in urban quality improvements, addressing social infrastructure needs, and embracing technological advancements to sustain its development momentum [10].

Group 1 - The core viewpoint emphasizes the importance of recognizing, respecting, and adapting to urban development laws for effective city management [1] - Marx and Engels analyzed the role of cities in enhancing human production and living standards, highlighting that cities are aggregations of population, production tools, capital, enjoyment, and demand [1][2] - The ideal city must ensure basic living material security and promote the comprehensive development of individuals, addressing urban issues such as overpopulation and environmental pollution [2] Group 2 - Marx and Engels argued that the movement of the proletariat is for the benefit of the majority, which is crucial in urban development [3] - They identified the elimination of the urban-rural divide as a primary condition for community development, which requires material prerequisites and cannot be achieved solely by will [3] - The Chinese Communist Party has consistently prioritized urban issues throughout its revolutionary and reform processes, adapting theories of urban development to historical contexts [4] Group 3 - The leadership of the Chinese Communist Party has emphasized the unique and systematic nature of urban reform, recognizing the complexities of urban environments compared to rural areas [4] - Since the 18th National Congress, the central leadership has placed urban work at the forefront of governance, addressing fundamental questions about urban construction and development [4]

Core Viewpoint - The Central Urban Work Conference held in Beijing emphasized the importance of cities in China's economic, political, cultural, and social activities, outlining key tasks for modern urban development, including innovation, livability, beauty, resilience, civilization, and intelligence [1][2]. Group 1: Urban Development and Challenges - China's urbanization process is the largest and fastest in world history, with significant achievements in urban development, including improved urbanization levels and environmental quality [2]. - The urbanization rate is projected to reach 67% by the end of 2024, with 940 million people living in urban areas, indicating a shift towards a "stable development period" in urbanization [2][3]. - The transition from large-scale expansion to enhancing existing urban quality and efficiency is necessary due to demographic changes and urban resilience challenges [2][3]. Group 2: Urban Planning and Governance - Emphasis on proactive adaptation in urban planning is crucial, with a focus on human-centered development, efficient resource use, and tailored local development paths [3][4]. - The need for refined governance and innovative approaches to urban management is highlighted, aiming to enhance community participation and address pressing urban issues [4]. - The core of urban development is centered around people's needs, focusing on essential aspects of life such as housing, employment, and overall well-being [4].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the evolution and future of urban development in China, emphasizing the need to "rediscover" cities in the context of rapid changes and contrasting trends in urbanization and population movement [1][2]. Group 1: Urban Development Trends - The number of cities in China has increased from 193 in 1978 to 694 in 2023, a growth of 2.6 times, while the urban resident population has risen from 172 million to 944 million, a 5.5 times increase [2]. - The concept of "big country, big city" is introduced, suggesting that larger countries with more population tend to have larger urban centers, which aligns with urban development patterns [2][4]. Group 2: City Characteristics and Strategies - Different cities are adopting unique development paths, with some cities like Chengdu and Hangzhou standing out due to their focus on quality of life and economic vibrancy, contrasting with the uniform "sprawling" model of development seen in many cities [8][10]. - The importance of "living quality" in attracting and retaining residents is highlighted, suggesting that cities should prioritize human-centric policies to enhance livability [10]. Group 3: Future Urbanization and Policy Recommendations - China's urbanization rate is projected to reach 67% by 2024 and 70% by 2030, with experts advocating for increased urbanization as a means to address urban-rural disparities [12]. - The article emphasizes the need to respect urban development laws and to facilitate the gathering of people in cities, advocating for a focus on market, government, and individual choices to create urban "centripetal force" [12].