| I disagree that hukou is an "invisible border" that segregates people, generally. I think Stephen is attempting to argue something else. Sure there is damage it causes those in the countryside as opposed to the city, but there are ways to get around the hukou system if so desired. Further, think of some major Chinese companies like Tsingtao Beer and Haier, both come from Qingdao and Dalian has its Shide Group, Harbin has pharmaceuticals. These other cities have something to offer in specific industries and are constantly growing. What has amazed me in my travels around China is how the "second tier" cities like Shenyang and Nanjing are experiencing amazing growth. Salaries may not be quite as high as in the "first tier" cities, but cost of living is also lower. I think the "choice" of living in the suburbs is quickly not becoming a choice. I can imagine a day when greater Shanghai extends even to Suzhou. As the older areas in the city center are "chai'ed" these people have no choice but to move outside of the city center. |