Abstract: The development of the medium-sized and small cities in the metropolitan fringe has special characteristics. The particular location and function of the medium-sized and small cities in the metropolitan fringe make it especially important that they should develop harmoniously with the big cities they are tied to. Recently,to improve the urbanization level, some administration measures such as rezoning by combining the surrounding countries with the big cities as their districts are adopted broadly in China. With these changing development backgrounds,the development strategies of the medium-sized and small cities in the metropolitan fringe have to be adjusted too. By taking Zengcheng to the east of Guangzhou as a study area,this paper discusses the development strategies of the medium-sized and small cities in the metropolitan fringe detailedly from the aspects of industry development,spatial development, environment protection and the construction of infrastructures,which explores the way of sustainable development of these special cities and has important practical and theoretical meaning in present China.

Key words: Guangzhou, metropolitan fringe, the development strategies