Urbanization and de-urbanization in mountain regions of China

Rapid economic development has induced urbanisation in China. Urbanisation and deurbanisation strategies co-exist in most of China's mountain regions. Urbanisation typically occurs in famous scenic spots and in the vicinity of macro engineering works, while de-urbanisation is implemented in large areas by the government to protect the natural environment. Over-urbanisation has considerable impacts on the esthetic qualities of many mountain tourist resorts and sometimes even destroys the natural state of landscapes and ecosystems. Administrative gaps and omissions of the central government inmanaging the development of mountain parks and world heritage sites are responsible for over-urbanisation in mountains. The search by local governments for short-term economic benefits is also a driving force of over-urbanisation. The present article recommends that regulations and laws be developed to effectively assess and monitor the state of parks and world heritage sites in mountains. Institutions with sufficient authority must be set up to legally supervise and protect the natural state of parks and heritage sites in mountains, for the benefit of the Chinese people and the entire world.