Urban Development

Only pedestrians and bikes are allowed on Pingyao's main street.

China’s coastal areas have benefited the most from reform and opening up because they were allowed to go first and also because their geography gives them better connection to the global market.  But now some of China’s lagging interior regions are turning their disadvantages to advantages.  Developing later, some interior towns have the opportunity to preserve their ancient character and use this as an asset to attract tourists and create jobs. 

My family got to see this first-hand on a weekend trip to Pingyao, one of the best preserved ancient cities in China.  Most cities long ago tore down their city walls to make way for development.  People in Pingyao joke that their city was too poor to tear down their massive Ming-dynasty wall, so it is one of the few left completely intact.  Now the city sees it as a valuable asset, and has had the good sense to ban motor vehicles in the inner city, creating a lovely walking/biking environment through its beautiful ancient streets. 

Speaking of successful cities (see my previous post), the Cities Alliance is collaborating with the World Bank and the Government of Norway to launch an international essay competition for young people (18-25) which asks, “What can you do to shape the city of your dreams?”  Yes, there are cash prizes and finalists get to travel to Cape Town, South Africa this June, all expenses paid by the World Bank.  Submissions are entirely internet-based, and the deadline for submission is March 23, 2008.  What do you have to lose?