For the fast growing larger cities in China, the rapid urban sprawl has obviously caused many problems. In order to find out what is the most suitable form for China's cities, I study two extreme urban models: urban sprawl and the compact city. Based on the study and the analysis of particular situations in China, I conclude that compact development is more sustainable for China's cities compared with urban sprawl. I consider the decentralized concentration model a practicable way to carry out the ideas of the compact city.