Mega-city and regional planning and development in the Pearl River Delta region, China

Mega-city region development is one of the dominant themes of urban development in the global economy. China´s Pearl River Delta (PRD) region is one of the country´s most advanced regions and has become a focal point of city-regional development. This article examines the latest regional planning and development to analyze the economic, political, and social transformations in the PRD region. Major mega-city regions in the PRD and their economic, political and social interplays are studied. Regional policies including economic development, transportation planning, and social integration in selected city regions are analyzed to draw practical lessons and develop policy recommendations. This article finds that the interplay of economic, political, and social factors, both global and domestic, are important in shaping the planning and development policies in the PRD region and calls for further studies to promote mega-city region development.