SUN Jiuwen: Deeply Understanding the Theoretical and Practical Logic of Building a People-Centered City

The essence of a city lies in its people. General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important concept—“A people-centered city is built by the people and for the people”—highlights the people’s role in urban development, reaffirms their principal status, enriches the Marxist theory of urbanism, and provides fundamental guidelines and an action framework for building people-centered cities.

The concept of a people-centered city is both a scientific summary and an innovative development of the path of urbanization with Chinese characteristics. Its core idea of people-first urban development includes two key aspects: On the one hand, “a people-centered city is built by the people”; On the other hand, “a people-centered city is for the people.”

This concept clarifies both the direction and the goal of urban development—ensuring that people live better and happier lives in cities. It includes: promoting urban economic development; strengthening innovation-driven development through science and technology; preserving the historical and cultural heritage of cities; striving to build beautiful cities.

The people-centered city concept not only outlines the mission of “crossing the river,” but also provides solutions to the “bridge or boat” dilemma, offering practical pathways for implementation. These include: coordinated development to strengthen cities and enrich the people; improving people’s livelihoods and enhancing well-being; strengthening governance for joint construction and shared benefits; optimizing the environment and beautifying urban life.

(The above content is excerpted and translated from an article titled “Deeply Understanding the Theoretical and Practical Logic of Building a People-Centered City” by SUN Jiuwen, a researcher at the National Academy of Development and Strategy and professor at the School of Applied Economics, Renmin University of China, published in People’s Daily.)

Original article link: [People’s Daily] Deeply Understanding the Theoretical and Practical Logic of Building a People-Centered City

Translator: ZHANG Yuqing

Web Editor: ZHANG Jingjing