Shanxi records steady progress in urbanization drive

Shanxi province has made significant progress over the past year in advancing county-centered urbanization, aiming to create a model that aligns with modernization goals while maintaining local characteristics.

"The urbanization rate of counties in the province has steadily increased by 1 percent annually," said Chang Shuming, Party secretary of Jinzhong, a city in Shanxi, and deputy to the 14th National People's Congress, China's top legislature. Chang spoke to China Daily during the ongoing annual session of the congress.

"Rates of centralized water supply, heating, gas supply and sewage treatment have all surpassed 97 percent," he said.