Wudang an example of new-type urbanization

The China Innovation Development Forum (CIDF) kicked off in Beijing on June 27, with an in-depth discussion on the subject of “new-type urbanization”. Wudang Mountains was held up as an example of new-type urbanization in a research report released by Aifeng Economy Development Institute (AET), which organized the forum, Wudangshan.gov.cn reported.

Ai Feng, director of Aifeng Economy Development Institute (AET) and former editor-in-chief of Economic Daily, delivers the opening speech at the China Innovation Development Forum (CIDF) in Beijing on June 27, 2014. [Photo/Wudangshan.gov.cn]

Li Faping, vice-mayor of Shiyan city and committee secretary of Wudang Special Economic Zone, talked about the local government’s specific approaches. In his speech titled “New-type urbanization led by tourism,” Li elaborated on the combined development of Wudang’s urbanization and tourism from three aspects—background, process and specific approaches. Li said the new-type urbanization in Wudang was closely grounded on the instruction of the Central Economic Working Conference in 2012, to raise urbanization to a position as important as ensuring people’s well-being.

Li Faping, vice-mayor of Shiyan city and committee secretary of Wudang Special Economic Zone, gives a speech titled “New-type urbanization led by tourism” at the China Innovation Development Forum (CIDF) in Beijing on June 27, 2014. [Photo/Wudangshan.gov.cn]

According to Li, the urbanization was conducted step by step. First, conduct early trials of industrial structures adjustments, starting with transforming farmers’ income structure. Second, improve residents’ happiness index through measures such as old city reconstruction. Third, promote the integration of agriculture and tourism. Fourth, insist on ecological tourism, to improve the overall environment of the new countryside.

The forum was hosted by Zhan Guoshu, deputy director of AET and former committee member of the Editorial Board of People’s Daily. Director of AET and former Editor-in-chief of Economic Daily Ai Feng delivered a welcome speech. Li Yining, an economist and professor at Peking University, gave a speech on new-type urbanization titled, “Path of duel transformation”. Also, Shi Jun, deputy director of the Economic Committee of CPPCC and former vice-governor of Gansu province, gave a keynote speech. Over 500 people from all walks of life attended the forum.

Li Yining, center, an economist and professor at Peking University, and Shi Jun, left, deputy director of the Economic Committee of CPPCC and former vice-governor of Gansu province, attended the China Innovation Development Forum (CIDF) in Beijing on June 27, 2014. [Photo/Wudangshan.gov.cn]

After the forum, Li Yining, Ai Feng and Shi Jun unveiled research results of the subject study on theories and practice of new-type urbanization, consisting of 10 studies completed by experts and scholars from institutions such as the Chinese Academy of Social Science and the Development Research Center of the State Council, as well as participants of new-type urbanization in districts such as Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Shandong, and Hubei province. It is considered the most comprehensive, innovative and instructive research in the field in China.

Edited by Nelly Min and Zhang Qiong