| Summary/Abstract |
Transformation to sustainability is a worldwide problem to the resource-based cities whose development depends primarily on the exploitation and primary processing of natural resources. Jiaozuo is a typical coal city with a meandering and intriguing development course and a successful transformation example in China. This paper summarizes the experiences and lessons in the growth course of Jiaozuo through calculating the econometric model based on “resource curse” theory and exploring the development process from a historical perspective. It reveals that: Jiaozuo suffers from a certain “resource curse”, especially the “Dutch disease” and “crowding out” effect (the over-reliance on the energy industry leads to the squeezing for science or technology, manufacturing and corruption). The reasons from the rise of Jiaozuo to the successful transformation are the synthesis of resources endowment (high-quality coal and advantageous tourism resources), financial support and technology introduction, seizing transition chance, location advantage, reconstruction of the city image and extensive propaganda. From a long-term perspective, Jiaozuo should take full advantage of the industrial legacies and historical remains expand industry layout and recycling economy. These experiences may provide some references for the sustainable development of other cities and serve as a practical basis for breaking through paths for resources-based cities.
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