A study of inner-city urban redevelopment process in metropolis of China from a perspective of gentrification : a Guangzhou case

Abstract

Several metropolises in China have been experiencing large-scale redevelopment in the inner-city areas during the last two decades in line with market transition. Virtually, urban redevelopment in these cities is adopted as a strategy for place promotion and urban image upgrading, through which economic benefits can be obtained. Although both market and local governments are enthusiastic about various redevelopment programs, the conflict and risk placed in the process, for instance incompatible development and social network break, do exist. Nevertheless, few researchers have comprehensively studied the recent redevelopment process in inner-city areas of metropolises in China. Therefore, this thesis seeks to examine the process of inner-city redevelopment in metropolis of China during market-oriented urban transformation, attempting to characterize the process per se and generalize the driving forces underlying. Taking the case study of an inner-city district, i.e. Yuexiu district in Guangzhou city, this research analyzes the socio-spatial context of Yuexiu and characteristics of redevelopment activities taking place there. By comparing redevelopment process of Yuexiu with gentrification under capitalist system in the west, gentrification of Guangzhou is conceptualized and characterized. Furthermore, by examining driving forces contributing to gentrification from both consumption sides and production sides, the most contributing role for the urban redevelopment taking the form of gentrification is revealed. It is found that urban redevelopment in Yuexiu has appreciated some characteristics of gentrification in the last decade. However, given the context of socialist market economy in China, gentrification in inner-city Guangzhou has several distinct characteristics that differ from stylized gentrification in the advanced economies. Besides, comparing to gentrification in the advanced capitalist countries where market has played dominant contributing role, gentrification in urban China is more a result of restructuring of old urban areas in which local authorities have heavily intervened.