Core Insights - The article discusses the ongoing efforts to develop modern urban agglomerations in China, highlighting the push for Longcheng and Kunming to join the national-level urban agglomeration club [1][4][5] Group 1: Urban Agglomeration Development - As of now, 17 urban agglomerations have been approved by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), including major cities like Nanjing, Chengdu, and Shenzhen [2][3] - The development of urban agglomerations began in 2019, aimed at enhancing regional competitiveness and supporting high-quality urban growth [2][3] - Urban agglomeration construction is seen as a new growth driver for regional economies, facilitating infrastructure and public service development, which in turn boosts investment and consumption [2][3] Group 2: Longcheng and Kunming's Efforts - Longcheng and Kunming are actively seeking approval for their urban agglomerations, with significant emphasis on high-quality development and regional collaboration [1][4][5] - Longcheng's GDP is projected to be 7632.19 billion yuan in 2024, accounting for 53.1% of Jilin province's total GDP, indicating its dominant economic position [5][6] - Kunming's GDP is expected to reach 8275.22 billion yuan in 2024, representing 26.2% of Yunnan province's GDP, showcasing its leading role in the region [6]

Core Insights - China's urbanization is transitioning from a rapid growth phase to a stable development phase, with a focus on improving existing urban areas rather than expanding them [1][3] - The urban population is projected to grow from 770 million in 2014 to 940 million by 2024, with a slower growth rate in the latter half of the decade [1][3] - The urbanization rate has increased from 55.8% in 2014 to 67% in 2024, with an average annual increase of 1.1 percentage points [1][3] Urbanization Rate Implications - The current urbanization rate of 67% indicates a shift from high-speed growth to a more stable phase, with expectations of reaching 80% by 2050 [2][3] - Historical data shows that countries typically maintain growth for several years after surpassing a 65% urbanization rate, suggesting potential for continued urbanization in China [2][3] Future Projections - Urbanization speed is expected to decline to an average increase of 0.70 percentage points per year before 2035, yet this remains above the global average [3][9] - Approximately 10 million rural residents are anticipated to migrate to urban areas annually during this period [3][9] Economic Impact - A 1 percentage point increase in urbanization rate can generate over 200 billion yuan in consumer demand and drive trillions in new investment [3][9] - Urbanization is linked to job creation, investment stimulation, and the expansion of domestic demand [3][9] Policy and Strategic Initiatives - The "Five-Year Action Plan" aims to enhance the integration of rural migrants into urban settings and improve public service accessibility [4][9] - Key actions include promoting urbanization in potential areas, developing modern urban clusters, and enhancing urban resilience [9] Challenges and Considerations - There is a significant gap between the registered urban population and the actual urban population, with a difference of about 18 percentage points [8] - The aging rural population and the hollowing out of villages are emerging challenges that require strategic resource allocation and village layout optimization [9]