Internal Structure of Chinese Cities in the Midst of Economic Reform

Socialist ideology, state control, and economic planning played significant roles in shaping the internal structure of Chinese cities before the adoption of economic reforms in 1978. They led to an internal structure of Chinese cities that is quite different from that of Western cities, with mixed land use and social areas formed mainly on the basis of the locations of work places. Post-1978 economic reform has brought market mechanisms to Chinese cities, and their internal structure now is undergoing rapid change. Urban planning and development control in guiding these changes is urgently needed.