New Features and Problems in the Urbanization of the Economically Developed Region of the Yangzi Delta

Suzhou City and the six counties (cities) under its jurisdiction, namely, Shazhou, Changshu, Kunshan, Wujiang, Wuxian, and Taichang, are located in the economically developed Taihu basin of the Chang Jiang (Yangzi) Delta. The region has a total area of 8,802 square kilometers and a population of 5.28 million. In addition to the key city of Suzhou, the region has 18 towns under the jurisdiction of its counties, 138 market towns, and 77 natural villages. It is an area with a flourishing economy, high population density, and a concentration of cities and towns.