"Problems that have occurred in different stages of urbanization in developed countries have arrived simultaneously in China due to the speed of growth," said Wang Guangqian, a member of the Standing Committee of the the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

The situation is more complicated and harder for the government to manage, Wang said.

Many political advisors warned of the blind expansion of megacities and called for more attention to protecting air and water quality, managing traffic and processing waste.

Guizhou is known for its relatively pristine natural environment, largely due to its geographic position and relatively sluggish economic development. Cities in the province are hoping to use the region's good environment into an advantage.

Li Zaiyong, mayor of Guiyang, said the city has attracted industrial and agricultural projects that have higher environmental quality requirements.

"We very much cherish what we have. We will not sacrifice it for projects that are profitable but result in heavy pollution," he said. "Guiyang is looking to projects that can strike a balance between profitability and environmental merit."

The city is working to convert its city buses from petroleum-based fuel to natural gas, as well as encourage residents to use public transportation more frequently, in order to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.