China's urbanization rate reached 51.3 percent at the end of 2011, according to a report released on May 29 by the China Association of Mayors (CAM).

The China Urban Development Report 2011 shows at the end of last year the country had 30 cities with a permanent population exceeding 8 million, and 13 cities with a population of more than 10 million.

With over half of China's population now living in cities, experts said that the country should still improve conditions in its urban centers by paying more attention to people's quality of life, the balance of urban and rural development, benefits for migrant workers and protection of natural and cultural resources.

CAM was established in 1991 as approved by the State Council. It has organized experts and scholars to compile the annual China Urban Development Report since 2001.