The proportion of the mainland's GDP generated in the three largest urban areas will double over the next 45 years, a report released this week says.
The China Urban Development Report says major urban areas now account for 37 per cent of gross domestic product, but this will reach 75 per cent by 2050.
'The 21st century is a century of urbanisation and China ... and this will impact the world deeply,' writes Niu Wenyuan, a principal author of the report released by the China Mayors' Conference.
'Many foreign academics place China's urbanisation on the same level of significance in impact as American hi-tech developments in the 21st century.'
The three major urban areas - the Greater Shanghai-Yangtze River Delta, the Pearl River Delta and Beijing-Tianjin Bohai Bay - account for 37 per cent of GDP.
The Yangtze River Delta, the top economic engine, makes up 18 per cent of the economy, the Pearl River Delta contributes 10 per cent and the Bohai Bay Area 9 per cent.
