Transformation of the social structure in the Chinese cities in the context of urbanization

In 2014, the urban population in China was more than 50 % of the total population of the country. This means that the PRC enters a new development period when city and city life become a basis of the Chinese society. The population, location, and level of economic development of the Chinese cities are closely interdependent. The current trends and future prospects discover that megacities have become the leading agent of social development in China. The urbanization and various processes in urban areas more often follow the market laws. The creation of functional areas, class and social differentiation in cities are increasingly evident. The urban problems, particularly the challenges of the large cities, become the main social problems of the Chinese government and society.