Quality of life epitomizes a new type of urbanization

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Premier Li Keqiang said that a new type of urbanization should reflect a core of being people-oriented during his Government Work Report. A round of applause followed as the Premier continued that improving the flexibility of management and providing refined services are needed to make cities more suitable for living.

"I discovered that some communities now provide more for the elderly. And they do not have to move to care centers far away since the community offers similar services, "said He Xinxin, a local resident who thinks Chengdu is on the right track to become the kind of place people love.

Yet, others may not be entirely satisfied.

The fast development China has seen in recent decades comes down to its hardworking people - a strong workforce and an even stronger consumer market. And it makes sense for the nation to shift its focus from growth figures to what the people need.

As China moves from quantity driven to quality driven, experts believe the quality of life is now a more important factor.

Associate Professor Feng Tianli from University of Electronic Science and Technology of China speaks with CGTN's reporter. /CGTN Photo

"A nation's development and cultivation are not only determined by its economic growth. It must rely on its soft power, including people's living standards and well-being," said Feng Tianli, an associate professor from the School of Management and Economics of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC).

Chengdu is one of China's largest cities, its economy grew eight percent in 2018, well above the national average of around 6.5. In addition to economic growth, however, the local government has been encouraging socially responsible investment and enterprises.

Professor Feng told CGTN that she has visited communities in Chengdu that offer high-quality education to children as well as the elderly. These services are offered at quite affordable prices.

"They seek qualified individuals within the neighborhood to cut costs. In addition, many enterprises also offer help, and they are 50-70 percent of the market price," Feng added.

But that raises some concerns, such as how to effectively evaluate companies to determine if they are qualified. Some may only look for the subsidies that governments offer, and their intentions may not be rooted in the people.