This is the 1569th most frequent Chinese word.
城乡
Urban and rural.
In this sentence, '城乡' is used as a pair of contrasting terms representing urban ('城') and rural ('乡') areas, forming the phrase '城乡之间' meaning 'between urban and rural areas'. It describes a relationship or comparison between the two.
城乡之间的差距近年来有所缩小。
The gap between urban and rural areas has narrowed in recent years.
Here, '城乡' is used to denote the collective consideration of both urban and rural areas. It signifies the target of integration ('城乡融合发展') between these areas for balanced development.
城乡融合发展是新时代的重要目标。
Promoting urban-rural integration is an important goal in the new era.
In this usage, '城乡' refers to both urban and rural areas as the primary focus of planning efforts ('城乡规划方案'). It emphasizes the involvement of both spheres in governmental policies and arrangements.