Jianfa SHEN is Professor and Chairman of the Department of Geography and Resource Management, and Director of Research Centre for Urban and Regional Development of Hong Kong Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. His research interests focus on urban and regional development and governance, spatial population modelling and migration analysis. He serves in the Editorial Boards of The China Review, Population, Space and Place, and Applied Spatial Analysis and Policy, GeoJournal: An International Journal on Geography, Asian Geographer, and Geographical Research. He has undertaken research funded by Hong Kong Research Grant Council and the Central Policy Unit of HKSAR government. He has published 22 books, 107 refereed journal papers and 45 refereed book chapters.

Gordon KEE is Research Associate of Research Centre for Urban and Regional Development of Hong Kong Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies, and Lecturer of Master of Social Science in GlobalPolitical Economy at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. His major research interests include regional development and governance, China studies and infrastructure development. He has published over 30 books, book chapters, journal articles, conference articles, and occasional papers.

This book analyzes the recent growth of Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Fuzhou, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Nanjing, and Hong Kong, seven major Chinese coastal cities. The authors detail theoretical mechanisms, spatial and non-spatial models of development, all while exploring possible directions to sustainability. They also look at how these cities have developed over the last 30 years, from the late 1970s to the 21st century. Each has its own unique background, regional and national positions, advantages, and functions. Using diversified approaches and measurements for each city, the authors argue that structural changes are necessary to achieve much needed sustainable development. The book covers developmental issues such as the regaining of central city and global city statuses, the role of governments in steering development, and achieving goals through mega projects, urban competitiveness, positioning, and branding. Including varied assessment and intense suggestions for structural changes, thisbook addresses core concerns for the sustainable growth of these metropolises. A valuable book for students, researchers and policy makers.