Interplay of Industrial Transformation, Diversified Governance, and Talent Gathering on the Ruralization of China

Abstract

This paper examines the evolution from urbanization to ruralization in China, highlighting the role of national strategies in promoting the coordinated development of urban and rural areas. By introducing the concept of ruralization as part of China's rural revitalization, which aims for sustainable development through a balance of top-down and endogenous forces, this study first asserts that ruralization is a rural development process initiated by rural revitalization once urbanization reaches a certain threshold and is sustained by both rural revitalization and urbanization. Then, using the Yuhang District in Zhejiang as the case, this paper discusses an interplay mechanism formed by three key drivers of ruralization, namely, industrial transformation, diversified governance, and talent gathering. Additionally, when applied to mountainous regions like Anji and Yunhe in Zhejiang, the Yuhang case serves as an adaptable model to suit local ecological and social-economic contexts. This paper concludes with recommendations for maintaining the pros of Yuhang's ruralization and offering insights into other regions.