СТРАТЕГИИ КОНКУРЕНЦИИ МЕГАПОЛИСОВ: СРАВНИТЕЛЬНЫЙ АНАЛИЗ МОДЕЛЕЙ ГУАНЧЖОУ И ФУЧЖОУ В ЭПОХУ ЦИФРОВОЙ ТРАНСФОРМАЦИИ

Abstract:
The article deals with the problem of differences in urban growth patterns in modern China on the example of Guangzhou and Fuzhou — the key administrative centres of the south-eastern coast. The aim of the study is to identify the factors that determine the variability of the development trajectories of these cities. The analysis is conducted through three groups of factors: geographical location, institutional and political decisions, and the quality of economic adaptation of the cities themselves. Scientific novelty consists in a comprehensive comparative analysis of the two cities through the prism of strategic directions of the PRC state policy 2015-2026. The methodological basis is formed by official statistical bulletins, government reports and sectoral publications for 2015-2025, as well as materials of the beginning of 2026 and development plans. The results show that Guangzhou has established itself as a national and international city with a strong service sector and high-tech industries, while Fuzhou shows a higher relative growth rate, relying on the maritime economy, the Digital China platform and the Two Countries, Two Parks projects. The main conclusion is that these cities are not competing in the same niche in 2025-2026: Guangzhou is competing for positions in the upper tier of global hubs, while Fuzhou is consolidating its role as the fast-growing maritime, digital and foreign economic centre of China’s east coast. The practical significance lies in the possibility of applying the identified patterns to the design of urban development strategies and regional policies. The prospects for further research are related to the expansion of the analysis of the factors of competitiveness of megacities.