The Inevitable Result of Central Planning: China’s Ghost Cities and Malls

The Inevitable Result of Central Planning: China's Ghost Cities and Malls
April 10, 2011 by Israel Curtis

A stunning video documentary by Dateline (Australia) about the 64 million vacant apartments in China, a result of the government building 10 new cities each year. All this to keep up the appearance of endless economic growth. A classic example of what happens when policy is determined by chasing favorable statistics (reality be damned). It goes without saying that the only thing that makes this possible is the fact that it's paid for with "public" spending.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPILhiTJv7E&feature=player_embedded

Here are some links to Google Maps, where you can see satellite images of some of the cities mentioned in the report:

Zhengzhou New District, Henan
South China Mall, Dongguan
Ordos, Inner Mongolia
Erenhot, Xilin Gol, Inner Mongolia
Dantu, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu
Yunan University Campus, Yunnan, Changgong

Aljazeera has a related report on the questionable growth numbers and the impending real estate bubble. Best quote: "You can't really move to a city with no economy…"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0h7V3Twb-Qk&feature=player_embedded

More reports from other news outlets:

BBC: Work stops on Chinese ghost town
Amazing satellite images show cities meant to be home to millions lying deserted
Photo Gallery – Ordos, China: A Modern Ghost Town