This extraordinary case study of Chengdu, China breaks new ground in the understanding of 21st century urbanization. Its detailed coverage of critical policy changes and practice illuminates our understanding of the rapid changes and important adaptive responses that China has forged to accommodate massive demographic and economic shifts that this country and many others around the world are experiencing. Its impeccable scholarship and clear explanations make this book the key guide and authoritative reference on this topic. -- Eugenie Birch, University of Pennsylvania, US The new Chinese leadership announced in 2013 that new approaches of urbanization should be the future of China. Our experience so far has been limited to the coastal region. The collaboration between Ye Cumin, a scholar based in China with in-depth knowledge, and Richard LeGates, a researcher with extensive western experience, resulted in this fruitful publication, providing insights from Chengdu, about integrated urban-rural development. This is a fascinating story and timely contribution to urban China research. -- Fulong Wu, University College London, UK This book provides a vivid picture of the urban-rural coordinated development of Chengdu, and has important reference value for other developing regions in reducing urban-rural disparity through institutional reform. -- Li Tian, Tongji University Ye and LeGates offer a richly detailed and up-to-date study of Chengdu, Chinas widely celebrated initiative to integrate urban and rural development. They build upon, but also expand, the pioneering scholarship of Terry McGee on the peri-urban phenomenon. The fate of rural areas surrounding rapidly expanding urban megacities like Chengdu is a global challenge for planners that will benefit from the critical assessment offered in this volume. -- Christopher Silver, University of Florida, US
