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China launched its urbanization program at the beginning of its reform and opening-up policy in 1978 in a bid to accommodate surplus rural labor and achieve sustainable development in rural areas. Three decades have passed. To get an in-depth understanding of China's urbanization, Beijing Review reporter Lan Xinzhen interviewed Lu Xueyi, a senior sociologist at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, about the progress during the last 30 years. Interview excerpts follow.

Beijing Review: What is the current status of the urbanization program?

Lu Xueyi: China's urbanization speed is running at a high gear. The number of small towns has risen to more than 18,000 from 2,700 in 1984. In 2007, about 45 out of every 100 people were urban residents, almost 2.5 times higher than the figure in 1958.

Why should China continue its urbanization activities?

There are three reasons. First, after rural reform in 1978, rural productivity was greatly increased, resulting i...

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