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Characteristic Development Model: A Transformation for the Sustainable Development of Small Towns in China

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  • Xueqin Wang

    (Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
    College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
    School of Geography, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China)

  • Shenghe Liu

    (Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
    College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China)

  • Olivier Sykes

    (School of Environmental Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GP, UK)

  • Chengxin Wang

    (College of Geography and Environment, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250358, China)

Abstract

In recent years, the construction of small towns in China has faced many challenges, hindering the sustainable development of small towns. This paper proposes that the traditional development model of small towns no longer meets the current demands, and it urgently needs updating. In the past two years, there has been an increase in the construction of characteristic small towns in China. This is a good beginning for the transformation development of small towns and would bring new opportunities. However, some problems have developed. One example is the emergence of the “blind town”, which means the governors cultivate a featured town blindly without objectively considering the reality of that area. These decisions have a negative impact on the future sustainable development of small towns. Therefore, the governors need to consider the basic conditions of the area, perform a scientific assessment, and present a clear cultivation strategy. This paper presents a preliminary scientific method for the characteristic development mode of small towns with “explore characteristic–evaluate characteristic–nurture characteristic” as the main line, which would be conducive to the characteristic transformation for the steady and sustainable development of small towns in China.

Suggested Citation

  • Xueqin Wang & Shenghe Liu & Olivier Sykes & Chengxin Wang, 2019. "Characteristic Development Model: A Transformation for the Sustainable Development of Small Towns in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(13), pages 1-21, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:13:p:3753-:d:246974
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. David Bell & Mark Jayne, 2009. "Small Cities? Towards a Research Agenda," International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 33(3), pages 683-699, September.
    3. Cohen, Barney, 2006. "Urbanization in developing countries: Current trends, future projections, and key challenges for sustainability," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 28(1), pages 63-80.
    4. Yosef Jabareen, 2004. "A knowledge map for describing variegated and conflict domains of sustainable development," Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 47(4), pages 623-642.
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