Over the last three decades, China has made it its mission to rapidly urbanize. And the year 2013 marked a major turning point for the country: for the first time in China’s history, there are more people living in cities than in the countryside.
The speed of urbanization in China is something that has never been seen before in human history. According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), similar demographic transitions took 150 years to occur in Europe and 210 in Latin America. And in China, it has taken a mere 30 years to reach this level.
According to the UNDP’s China’s 2013 National Human Development Report (NHDR), in 2011, more people were living in cities in China than in the countryside. In contrast, six decades earlier a mere 10% lived in an urban setting. The same report goes on to say that China’s urban population will grow by an additional 310 million people to 70% of the total population by 2030 with over 1 billion people living in cities.
In this infographic, we take a look at China’s urbanization journey thus far, tracking the rise in the number of city slickers, as well as the growth of select urban infrastructure indicators, and roads and railways.
Click on the image to view the infographic.
Enjoying what you’re reading?
CKGSB Report
Related Articles
Related Articles
Our Programs
New Energy and the Disruption of Traditional Industries
Global Unicorn Program Series
The Global Unicorn Program in New Energy and the Disruption of Traditional Industries – presented jointly by CKGSB and University of Sydney – will emphasize Australia’s distinctive contributions.
LocationSydney, Australia
DateFebruary 11-14, 2025
LanguageEnglish
Asia Start
Asia Start provides entrepreneurs and executives with unparalleled access to Asia’s dynamic digital economy and its business ecosystems, offering the latest trends and insights, strategies, and connections to overcome challenges and unlock future growth for your business in Asia and beyond.
LocationBeijing, Shenzhen, Hong Kong
DateMarch 24-28, 2025
LanguageEnglish
Innovation, Scaling and the Next Generation of Unicorns Program
Global Unicorn Program Series
This 4-days program equips entrepreneurs, executives and investors with the tools to scale luxury brands globally, drawing inspiration from Italian heritage craftsmanship and leveraging innovation, sustainability, and cutting-edge strategies to drive success in international markets.
LocationMilan, Italy
DateApril 14-17, 2025
LanguageEnglish
AI-Driven Healthcare Innovation Program
Global Unicorn Program Series
The 2025 Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Driven Healthcare Innovation Program stands at the forefront of addressing the critical need for innovative healthcare solutions powered by artificial intelligence.
LocationJohns Hopkins University, Washington, D.C.
DateMay 5-9, 2025
LanguageEnglish
Scaling Innovation: AI and Digital Strategies for Business Transformation
Global Unicorn Program Series
This program is designed to equip senior executives with the strategic insights and tools necessary to lead in this transformative era.
LocationNew York, USA
DateJune 23-27, 2025
LanguageEnglish
Global Unicorn Program: Scaling for Success in the Age of AI
Global Unicorn Program Series
In collaboration with the Stanford Center for Professional Development (SCPD), this CKGSB program equips entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs and key stakeholders with the tools, insights, and skills necessary to lead a new generation of unicorn companies.
LocationStanford University Campus, California, United States
DateSeptember 29 – October 3, 2025
LanguageEnglish
Emerging Tech Management Week: Silicon Valley
Global Unicorn Program Series
Co-developed by CKGSB and UC Berkeley College of Engineering, this program equips participants with proven strategies, cutting-edge research, and the best-in-class advice to fuel innovation, seize emerging tech developments, and catalyse transformation within your organization.
LocationUC Berkeley
DateNovember 2-7, 2025
LanguageEnglish
