Skyscraper mania not best pointer to development
Updated: 2013-08-07 21:43
(chinadaily.com.cn)
|
|||||||||
Chinese media have reported that among the skyscrapers being built worldwide, 87 percent are in China.
Skyscrapers embody a city's development level, but considering the size of Chinese cities and their overall development levels, it seems less rational for them to race to build such a large number, according to an article on rednet.cn (excerpts below).
Skyscrapers have dotted the skylines of many Chinese cities in recent years.
Despite widespread concerns over local government obsessions with city landmarks, record-breaking buildings have continued to spring up. The Shanghai Tower became the country's tallest and the world's second-tallest following its topping-out ceremony this month, but it will not hold the title for long, as Changsha's Sky City is expected to exceed it in height.
Local governments and businesses applaud such projects, considering them a shortcut to boost local property markets and fiscal revenue.
However, with the country predicted to become home to the world's largest number of skyscrapers, media have also reported that many landmark buildings have been plagued by high vacancy rates.
A city's development level is not decided by how many high-rise buildings it boasts.
It is decided by how rational and responsible policymakers are in making urban planning efforts to optimize a city's development in a comprehensive way, so that people can become the major beneficiaries.
Most Viewed
Editor's Picks
Magnetic attraction |
County linked with outside world |
Urban push |
Reaching for the summit |
New energy vehicles await fuel injection |
Language: Spreading the word |
Today's Top News
China vows to severely punish newborn traffickers
Sri Lanka suspends NZ milk powder imports
PV firms face risks despite EU deal
Small firms should also think global
China issues record fines to dairy firms
US, China trade deficit narrows
NBA courts Sina Corp
EC denies delay in telecoms probes
US Weekly
Geared to go |
The place to be |