Features of urban agglomeration formation in the Zhujiang Delta

Abstract

Urban agglomerations are currently regarded by the Chinese government as an
important factor for the development of state and society. The article focuses on the urban
agglomeration of the Zhujiang Delta, which includes cities and towns in Guangdong province,
Macao, and Hong Kong. It is important to note that in the second half of the twentieth century,
Guangdong province could not exploit its geographical advantages for a long time. With the
proclamation of reform policies in 1978, there took place profound changes. The State Council of the
People's Republic of China raised the level of economic development by opening China to the
outside world, transferring more power to the city authorities. It was decided to define the
boundaries of the Zhujiang Delta Economic Zone with 4 cities (Guangzhou and Shenzhen played
the role of core cities) and 13 counties, which pioneered in attracting foreign investment to the PRC,
locating industry, and developing the tertiary sector. The Zhujiang Delta has been transformed
from a rural area into an industrial and service center. By the beginning of the 21st century, a major
urban agglomeration has formed in the delta. With the development of cities and the expansion of
their functions in the agglomeration, and due to the increase in contacts, the dual-core model
becomes a network model: the urban agglomeration of the greater the Zhujiang Delta consists of
three pairs of core cities such as Hong Kong-Shenzhen, Macao-Zhuhai, Guangzhou-Foshan. The
three clusters, linked by an extensive transport network and economic relations, serve as growth
poles, and form a multi-level system. At present, the successful experience of establishing and
developing an urban agglomeration in the Zhujiang Delta is being used in reforming the economic
space in other areas.