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A great leap of faith: Limits to China’s university cities

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  • Chun-Yi Sum

Abstract

This paper examines the emergence of China’s ‘university cities’ ( daxuecheng ) as a governmental strategy to modernise higher education and to promote its socio-economic integration. To the disappointment of policy makers, the model of university cities has largely failed to yield satisfactory educational outcomes and economic productivity. Drawing from ethnographic research at the Higher Education Mega Center (HEMC) in the suburb of Guangzhou City, this paper analyses the characteristics and problems of China’s university cities. It discusses how various disjunctures between planners’ visions and students’ everyday experiences undermine the missions of university cities: Universities intended to reinforce the reputation and growth potential of cities overestimated the need for such facilities; students rejected the vision of isolated education enclaves as a style of living; and productive connections with research and development sectors were not realised.

Suggested Citation

  • Chun-Yi Sum, 2018. "A great leap of faith: Limits to China’s university cities," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 55(7), pages 1460-1476, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:55:y:2018:i:7:p:1460-1476
    DOI: 10.1177/0042098017716845
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hsing, You-tien, 2010. "The Great Urban Transformation: Politics of Land and Property in China," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780199568048.
    2. Dylan Sutherland, 2005. "China's Science Parks: Production Bases or a Tool for Institutional Reform?," Asia Pacific Business Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 11(1), pages 83-104, March.
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