Evolving mechanism of urbanization dynamics in central China and its further discussions—The case of Hubei Province

Abstract

In the context of national labor shortage, Central China, as the major food supply area and labor-exporting area of national importance, will play an important role in China's urbanization in the future. This paper takes Hubei Province, a typical province in Central China, as an example, to analyze its evolving mechanism of urbanization dynamics by observing Hubei's urbanization development both from the government and market sectors respectively. In terms of government sector, the urban development in China is promoted both by national strategy and local action. As for market sector, the interpretation of urbanization impetus and impediments are achieved in the context of Chinese featured rural-urban dual economy system. On the basis of Hubei's universality and particularity, as well as the new trends of national population development and migration, this paper further discusses the challenges and opportunities in Central China's urbanization in transition.