Evolution and Development Mechanism of World's Megalopolises

Rapid development of the global economy accelerated the trend of urbanization and metropolitan areas in China will experience substantial development. Research on evolution and development mechanism of world's classic megalopolises is of great importance for guiding Chinese megalopolises’ reasonable, efficient and sustainable urbanization tracks. The development course of the world megalopolises reflects the spectacular evolution of urbanization process. With the rise of the city center and surrounding small towns, megalopolitan regions are formed and display the utilization of natural resources, market mechanisms, and planning visions to shape better living and working environments. In this paper, we intend to figure out the evolution and development mechanism of world's classic megalopolises as policy directions to content with the needs in the fast process of urbanization in China. First, the concept of world's megalopolises is introduced, followed by a description of the evolution of megalopolitan systems. Then the development mechanism of megalopolis is presented including its spatial structure layout, economy and industry layout, transportation development, as well as associated planning and regulations issues. Finally, this paper concludes the geographical and industrial advantages of megalopolis, figured out its new layout and allocation driven by tertiary industry where a new format of industrial chain is developed in compatible and complementary pattern. This paper also pointed out that megalopolises started the counter-urbanization strategy to relieve the crisis of excessive consumption of resources. Most metropolises worked out a coordination mechanism in line with their specific implementation at regional levels. Last, this paper concludes that the development of every megalopolis substantially relied on efficient and multi-dimension transportation systems.