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| CONSTRUCTING OF BORDER URBAN SYSTEM AND DEVELOPMENT OF PORT TOWNS IN XINJIANG IN THE NEW ERA |
| DU Hong-ru1,2, ZHANG Xiao-lei2, LI Chun-hua2 |
1. Institute of Geography Science and Resource, CAS, Beijing, 100101, China;
2. Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, CAS, Ulumqi 830011, China |
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Abstract Border urban system is one of special types of urban system, which is decided by regional geosuperiority. Located in central belt of Eurasia, Xinjiang has touchline with 8 countries, which is as long as 5,400 kilometers. A succession of cities and towns has formed because of military fortification in history. This paper is aimed to combine urbanization and foreign opening by building such a border urban system.
In the new era, it is very active to foster border urban system of Xinjiang for more effective foreign business and more advanced regional economy. There are three reasons why it is need to build border urban system in Xinjiang. One is the more opening and cooperating national and international environment. The second is the development of regional economy and urbanization. And the third is the outstanding features of border cities.Border urban system is marked by the different functions of foreign economy and different combination of cities. It includes four levels:①the core city, that is Urumqi; ②three node cities: Shihezi, Kuitun and Kuerle;③seven border cities; ④sixteen port towns. Jointed by two main transportation axis which impenetrate into northern and southern Xinjiang, these cities can unite each other, divide foreign trade function and increase economic strength. In addition, there are another two subsidiary transportation lines to help the exerting of integrated privilege in border urban system.
Port towns are the front of border urban system and have some characteristics such as far from hinterland, higher specialization in foreign trade, short of administrated organization system, advanced urban construction, etc. There are two trends of harmonious developments between ports and local towns: one is the integration of ports and near local towns so that they can become a whole entity, and another is the setting up of organized towns by ports themselves so that other business besides foreign trade can be developed.
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Received: 26 September 2003
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2005, Vol. 20 
