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As China becomes increasingly urbanized (城市化), it has to find space for its urban and
rural citizens as both groups become increasingly integrated. Experts suggest a possible model
way may be "re-inventing" a "garden city".
China's mega-cities are bursting at the borders and the country is now undergoing the quickest and
biggest urbanization in the history of mankind. It is estimated that by 2025, China will have 400 million
more people living in its cities, raising its urban population to 900 million. Besides, new satellite towns are mushrooming on the urban fringes while city ring roads are rippling outwards into the countryside at
amazing speed. Satellite maps collected by Professor Joshua Bolchover at the University of Hong Kong
bring the problem sharply into focus. They track the changing rural-urban framework in the past 30 years, and suggest that cities are cruelly destroying surrounding rural land and rapidly reducing the amount of
arable (可耕种的) land, which gives way to new residential blocks, new industrial zones, new financial
centers and the other inevitable signs and signatures of economic growth.
This, however, is not sustainable growth pattern, especially when China has the world's largest
population to feed. So concerned urban planners are starting to note the social and physical effects of
diaspora(大移居) when replaced rural communities are forced into the cities.
On the other hand, a trend of thought is gradually taking shape and this is the concept of the "garden
city", a combination of country and city that is being proposed by architects and city planners. Hua Li,
from Tao Architects, is among the many professionals with such a voice. His argument is supported by a
long-term study on this subject. As Hua says, the answer is to preserve patches of productive farmland
within urban boundaries. Less transportation means we have fresh agricultural products at lower costs
and less carbon emission in the city. And urban farmland can also be showcased for agricultural tourism
and education.
The concept is already practiced at the grassroot level. Agriculture has gone into the air, up to roof
and balcony in some communities in the cities. It's common to see organic "hanging garden" on the roof
of some traditional courtyard home. According to some people, the rooftop project translate to tangible
(= practical) benefits, such as safe, nutritious vegetables, a cooler home in summer. Some say thanks to
the tomatoes they plant that are natural insect killers, there're fewer mosquitoes. Apart from these, it also
contributes to better bonding with neighbors. Zhang, a doctor in Beijing, began creating his hanging
garden five years ago. Since his garden became home to 30 kinds of vegetables and fruit -all enough to
feed his family, neighbors have enjoyed dropping by for a relaxing chat or just to see how well the lovely
vegetables and fruit are doing.
Although people like Zhang are still rare and the greening of roof space with vegetables and fruit takes
skill and energy, with more positive media exposure and advanced technology there is the prospect that
garden city will become common practice in the near future. By then, cities will no longer look so gray
when seen from the satellites.
1. What is the purpose of paragraph 2?
A. To show the experts' concern about the increase of population.
B. To persuade people into supporting economic growth in cities.
C. To explain the reasons for the change of rural-urban framework.
D. To inform the readers of the consequences of quick urbanization.
2. In Hua Li's opinion, a combination of country and city will __________.
A. benefit the environment and lower living costs
B. become a project that needs a long-term study
C. lead to more rural communities being replaced
D. attract more farmers to take tours in cities
3. Zhang is mentioned (Paragraph 5) to show that __________.
A. he achieves his dream to own a hanging garden
B. hanging gardens are becoming more popular
C. the garden contributes to a better neighborhood
D. he is a pioneer to practise the gardening concept
4. As for the concept of the "garden city", the writer feels_________.
A. desperate
B. hopeful
C. disappointed
D. concerned

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