A study of the pattern of urbanization among underdeveloped towns at mountainous area in Hubei province during the ongoing process of transformation—Macheng city in Hubei province as the case

This paper focuses on key issues in the analysis of underdeveloped towns in mountainous area. First, it provides an overview and critique of methodological approaches to review the drawbacks of rapid urbanization in Eastern China. Second, the example of Macheng is used to demonstrate the dilemma faced by poverty-stricken mountainous areas. Third, this article explores the ways in which an optimal model can be developed or redeveloped to improve economic competitiveness while preserving or enhancing the natural environment of the mountains. The five aspects considered are policy-making, population migration, space optimization, transportation infrastructure construction and improvement of the ecological environment. To ensure sustainable urbanization of mountainous regions, this paper addresses the following issues:developing a multi-dimensional coordinated decision-making mechanism, having a clear division of responsibilities between towns, distributing a gradational shifting of population each town and village, organizing a highly concentrated space along with organic spread out transportation infrastructure and carrying out in stages during urbanization.