Opportunities and challenges for development of urbanization in Western China

Urban and rural dual structure in Western China is obvious. The economic development of the central cities is relatively quick while that of the rural areas is lagging behind. The speeding up of urbanization contributes to the intensively uncoordinated development of urban and rural areas. Besides, the eco-fragile environment, shortage of available water resources, adverse geographic location, and relatively backward social economy restrict the development of urbanization in Western China. However, Western China also has the advantages of backwardness. This paper analyzes the present situation and development trend of urbanization in Western China. The results show that Western China has basically formed a development pattern with “industry promotes agriculture and urban leads to village”. Therefore, combined with the present situation of Western China, this paper describes and analyzes the opportunities and challenges that may appear in the process of urbanization in Western China, puts forward the development pattern in which urban and rural areas can gain mutual support and co-development, and provides related recommendations.