By Qiu Baoxing

Urbanization should not be viewed simply as boosting cities. It should be an interaction between urban and rural areas.

A balanced and integrated development of the two is a precondition for urbanization to benefit the country's future in social and economic terms.

This was also stressed by General Secretary Hu Jintao in his report to the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) last year.

The report emphasized that efforts should be made to form a new pattern that integrates development in the urban and rural areas.

To this end, it is important to acknowledge the differences that exist between urban and rural areas, respect these differences, and leave enough room to promote urbanization and consolidate rural infrastructure.

Many people swarm to the cities while others flee to the rural areas. They do so for both have their attractions.

Cities offer job opportunities, higher pay, convenient transportation, good education for children and entertainment. But urban residents are also troubled by high living costs, pollution, traffic jams, and discrimination in various forms.