Transformation of urban socio-spatial structure in socialist market economies: the case of Beijing

Different from the socialist model of urbanization in the pre-reform period, Beijing is going through a more divergent path of urban change bearing similarities to western cities and cities in other developing countries. Urban sprawl and spatial segregation are taking shape along with the social polarization and the inflow of millions of rural migrants. One significant force of urban change is the large-scale inflow of rural migrants in the reform period. Migrants from various origins are typically specialized in particular activities and business. Spatial concentration of rural migrants has formed many migrant villages. This paper examines the above urban changes in Beijing and calls for a re-consideration of whether there is a unique mode of urbanization in China.