Since 2015 when China’s Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development unveiled a plan to build 12 “national central cities” in its urbanization blueprint, eight cities nationwide have been added to the list including Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu, and a long waiting list of others are vying for the last four positions. A national central city is one that could play a leading political, economic and cultural role in a specific region. The competition is intensified by the huge benefits the title brings and potential preferential policies from the central government. Being added to the list also means that the city’s potential, advantages and prospects for future development will be identified by the country, which entitles them to a priority status and a first-mover advantage compared to other cities. Insiders claimed that the title of national central city is a great opportunity for a urban branding.
Old Version
