China’s rapid urbanization will continue for 15 to 20 years.

At present, China’s urbanization rate is close to the average urbanization rate of middle-income countries. China’s urbanization rate grew by almost 1 percent annually over the past five years. Currently, an urban system combining big cities, small and medium-sized cities and towns has taken shape in China.

...Officials from the MOHURD [Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development] pointed out that today and for a long time to come, China’s urbanization will be at a crucial stage during which China will face both opportunities and challenges. After the international financial crisis ends, China needs to rethink its urbanization mode which is based on an export-oriented economy. It must further increase its urbanization rate by relying on domestic demand and actively taking advantage of exports, officials said.