High urbanization not linked to good living  

报告称中国城镇化进入新阶段 质量有待提高

一项报告研究显示，中国城镇化率在2011年底已达到51.3%，将中国城镇化推入了一个新的历史阶段，但同时面临质量不高且同质化严重的现象。

Guangzhou (CNS) -- China's urbanization rate reached 51.3 percent by the end of 2011, a record high, but what is considered a sign of progress comes with a host of challenges, according to a report issued in Guangzhou on May 30.

According to the 2011 China Urban Development Report by the China Mayor Association, this marks the turning point where the number of the country's urban citizens exceeds its rural residents. By the end of 2011, 690 million of China's citizens were city dwellers, and 30 Chinese cities support populations above eight million.

A high urbanization rate doesn't necessarily mean city people are all enjoying the good life. Two thirds of Chinese cities are hard pressed to manage their garbage disposal, and 30-percent simply lack the technology to process garbage harmlessly.

Of more than 600 Chinese cities, two thirds suffer from water shortages, and in one sixth of those the shortage is considered serious.