Urbanization in mountainous Guizhou province

In mountainous areas like Guizhou province, one of the most crucial problems during urbanization is the shortage of usable land. Small hills are demolished, and the rubble is used to fill in low lying land. This allows factories and workshops to be built to provide job opportunities for villagers, who would normally travel to eastern provinces to find work. But, is it sustainable?

Wang Tianfa, is a villager in Long Quan village in Hui Shui County. He used to work in Zhejiang province. But now he can work much closer to home.

He said, "Now, there are factories just outside my home. I can work here and I look after my children."

Wang is happy to be home, but he also misses his farmland and the original countryside which has been changed out of all recognition for the factories to be built.

About one billion Yuan has been invested in the measure, allowing 21 businesses provide more than 2500 jobs.

According to a local official, there are strict regulations regarding the change of land use. The land gradient should remain below 15 degrees to prevent the loss of soil and water.

Luo Xingming, Director of Development and Reform Bureau, Huishui, said, "Before taking action, our plan has to be discussed by experts in areas like environment and geology. We can only take action after being given permission."

Despite the regulations, experts say the rate of urbanization should not exceed the amount of land available.

Professor Cui Gonghao, Nanjing university, said, "Land resource is an important part of Guizhou's revenue. I support this strategy to some extent. But, it should be applied according to local conditions. Meanwhile, we should make better use of the land we've already got."

Experts also say during the process of urbanization, especially in areas short of usable land, the price is worth paying, as in western countries. The key is to do it in a way that balances the costs and benefits.