Mega-events and the transformation of mega-city regions in China

Abstract

Existing literature on global urbanism attributes urbanisation to the functioning of agglomeration economies, concentration of innovative culture and creativity, the triumph of market over state, or the creative destruction of global capitalism. This study identifies a new and popular practice in which municipal governments actively pursue momentary and spectacular urbanism through the hosting of mega-events as an instrument to reproduce urban space for the enhancement of place competitiveness. A detailed study of the case of Guangzhou – the largest metropolis in southern China – has identified an interesting pattern in which hosting mega-events generates a significant but short-term economic effect as it provides a temporary stimulus to extend/prolong the cycle of urban growth (and decline). Hosting mega-events has been used as a means to create “a harmonious society” and unified social space whereby grievance and discontents are glossed over, ignored, excluded, and marginalised. Geographically, a new urban space has been created for the central city to reassert/consolidate its leading competitive position in the regional and national economy at the expense of the disadvantaged and marginalised. Findings of this research call for a critical re-evaluation of the perception of space and place in urban and regional studies.