Reflections on the similarities and differences between Chinese and US cities

Abstract

While China and the USA differ in many ways, suburbanization and rapid increase in car dependence in China seem to result in certain urban issues that are also found in US cities. For instance, recent urban development in China has departed significantly from the traditional high-density, pedestrian- and cyclist-oriented urban form that used to characterize Chinese cities. As the market economy unfolds in China, market forces seem to play a more significant role in suburban development in Chinese cities, leading to issues like longer commute time and distance, as well as worsening jobs–housing balance, traffic congestion, and air pollution. This article reflects on the similarities and differences in the urban issues of cities in China and the USA. It discusses urban issues like high-density suburbanization, jobs–housing balance, car dependence, and the role of gender and household structure. It suggests that the sustainability implications of the car-oriented suburbanization in urban China call for serious attention.

Keywords:

• activity–travel behavior
• Chinese cities
• suburbanization
• urban China
• US cities