China’s urbanisation rate was 59.2% at the end of 2018, up from 17.9% in 1978 (see Fig). This rapid pace of urbanisation is expected to continue. The Chinese Academy of Social Sciences projects China’s urbanisation rate to
rise to 70% by 2035. By that time, one billion Chinese people will be living and working in cities with areas of 100,000 km2, using smart technologies in their day-to-day lives. Such rapid urbanisation will revitalise rural
areas, bringing about economic growth, higher living standards and viable industries.