Core Points - The central urban work conference held on July 14-15 in Beijing, with significant guidance from General Secretary Xi Jinping, aims to direct urban work for the new era and journey ahead [1] - Xi Jinping emphasizes the importance of a people-centered approach in urban development, highlighting the need for cities to not only have height but also warmth [2][4] - The conference outlines seven key tasks for urban work, including the construction of comfortable and convenient livable cities, and the promotion of smart city initiatives [6][9] Group 1: Urban Development Philosophy - The concept of "People's City" was introduced by Xi Jinping in November 2019, emphasizing that cities should be built by the people and for the people [2] - Xi Jinping's visits to urban areas, such as the Minhang District in Shanghai, reflect his commitment to addressing housing issues and improving living conditions for residents [4] - The focus on meeting diverse housing needs for the population, including newcomers, is a priority in urban planning [4][6] Group 2: Smart City Initiatives - The implementation of "City Brain" technology in cities like Hangzhou is recognized as a significant step towards enhancing urban management through data and AI [7] - Xi Jinping advocates for the integration of advanced technologies to modernize urban governance, making cities smarter and more efficient [9] - The emphasis on digital empowerment and modern governance is a key task outlined in the recent urban work conference [9] Group 3: Cultural Heritage and Urban Identity - Xi Jinping stresses the importance of preserving historical and cultural sites, as seen in his visit to the Sanfang Qixiang area in Fuzhou [10][12] - The integration of traditional culture into modern urban development is essential for creating a city that reflects Chinese characteristics and values [15] - The conference highlights the need for a balanced approach between material and spiritual civilization in urban planning [15] Group 4: High-Quality Urban Development - The establishment of Xiong'an New Area is a significant project aimed at high-quality urban development, with a focus on sustainable growth and comprehensive planning [16][18] - Xi Jinping emphasizes the importance of careful planning and execution in urban projects to ensure they withstand the test of time [18][19] - The Xiong'an New Area has seen substantial development, with over 50.3 million square meters of construction and thousands of enterprises establishing operations there [19]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of urban development in China, highlighting the need for a people-centered approach in city planning and construction, as well as the integration of historical and cultural preservation into modern urbanization efforts [1][8][26]. Group 1: Urban Development Principles - The concept of "People's City" is central to urban development, advocating for cities built by and for the people [2][4]. - Urban development should respect natural historical processes and adhere to established urban development laws [3][7]. - The integration of production, living, and ecological layouts is essential for enhancing urban livability [4][7]. Group 2: Historical and Cultural Preservation - Protecting historical and cultural heritage is crucial, with a focus on maintaining the integrity of historical sites and buildings [21][22]. - The balance between development and preservation is emphasized, advocating for a thoughtful approach to urban renewal that respects historical context [24][25]. Group 3: Urbanization Statistics and Achievements - By the end of 2024, China's urbanization rate is projected to reach 67%, reflecting significant historical achievements in urban development [1]. - As of 2023, the number of cities in China reached 694, with 29 cities having populations over 5 million and 11 over 10 million [12]. - The GDP of cities at the prefecture level and above reached 77 trillion yuan, contributing 61.1% to the national GDP [12]. Group 4: Public Services and Inclusivity - The article highlights efforts to improve public services, ensuring equitable access for all residents, including migrant populations [10][11][12]. - Initiatives have been implemented to enhance the quality and accessibility of basic public services, such as education and healthcare, particularly in smaller cities [10][12]. Group 5: Governance and Management - Effective urban governance requires a focus on management and service delivery, emphasizing the need for a systematic approach to urban management [13][19]. - The integration of digital technologies in urban governance is seen as a pathway to enhance efficiency and responsiveness in city management [19][20].