Interregional migration has become an important driver shaping the economic landscape in China. By using 2010 Chinese census data, this study investigates the determinants of interregional migration and their implications for regional growth, estimated using principal component analysis, and a negative binomial regression model. In particular, it measures the roles of region size, income and lifestyle, green spaces, and employment opportunities in the origin and destination regions, and distance between the two regions. In addition to confirming the continuing influence of economic indicators as well as distance (owing to high moving costs), the findings presented herein add to the policy debate by encouraging regional policymakers to consider the effects of income, lifestyle, and green spaces. A strategy based on cheap labour is no longer encouraging growth in China, while many regions are suffering from environmental degradation. To address these shortcomings, an amenities‐based growth strategy concerning income, lifestyle, and green spaces for regional development is discussed, and policy implications are suggested. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.