'Formal' and 'informal' urbanisation in China -: Trends in Fujian Province

This paper, using Fujian Province as an example, divides China's urbanisation process into 'formal' and 'informal' patterns; it argues that 'informal urbanisation' is often neglected, being ignored by official definitions, and differs from the traditionally understood concepts of urbanisation. However, the 'formal' de jure urbanisation sponsored by the Chinese government has become less important, while the 'informal' quasi-urbanisation driven by local economic development and market forces has become increasingly important. 'Informal urbanisation' has been mainly encouraged by the development of township and village enterprises, the creation of many small urban centres and the arrival of many temporary residents.