The leading developed countries and regions in East Asia have experienced a series of challenges in the process of the population dividend and the urbanization dividend receding, and still face many development problems. This paper analyzes in detail the problems of ultra-low fertility rate, regional development imbalance and high social anxiety existing in the East Asian Trap. Through the analysis of the development engine and function of Jiangsu metropolitan area and the reflection on the development mode, it systematically proposes the countermeasures for Jiangsu to optimize the development of the metropolitan area and cross the East Asian Trap:
1. Take the new development concept as the fundamental adherence to the development of the metropolitan area
2. Use small and medium-sized cities as an important carrier to achieve common prosperity
3. Make suitable birth environment the primary factor for sustainable urban development
4. Take continuous innovation as the first driving force to overcome the East Asia Trap
