Urban Fringe the New Frontier in China's New Urbanism

The Chinese government wants an influx of nearly 100 million new urban residents by 2020. In order to accommodate a migration of this nature, China's urban planners are tasked with creating cities to be more livable.

2 minute read

February 5, 2016, 6:00 AM PST

By katewintz1


It has taken Chinese officials nearly 40 years to reconvene and discuss best practices for developing the country's urban centers. Now, with nearly half of the population living in cities, and an additional 100 million desired, "central government officials pledged to tackle air pollution, traffic gridlock, and lack of civic resources." reports Sarah O'Meara.

The passion that China's urban planners bring to large scale city design is easy to find in theory, implementing these design projects however have come with their fair share of challenges. "The laws in the field make it very hard to innovate. Every city is made by the planning authority, under the existing planning management system, according to existing standards. They all share one law. That’s why they are all the same." says Jinkui Li, a senior researcher as Shenzhen-based think tank China Development Institute.

Experts indicate that planning policy in China needs to change to better assist the professionals in meeting the needs of creating livable communities. Beijing-based urban planner Jasmine Tillu says “At the moment, you have leaders saying ‘Make urban planning more sustainable,’ but the actual on-the-ground policies don’t allow for it."

As for the rise in prominence of new urban centers, experts point to the established "urban villages" on the fringe of China's megacities, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen. These villages are known to be the most hospitable transitions for many migrants leaving the countryside for a new urban life. Changes are happening and it is exciting urban planners globally. If China's officials are able to step away from a "top-down, large scale" planning model and provide the residents civic engagement opportunities the future is bright.

Thursday, February 4, 2016 in CityLab

Sweeping view of Portland, Oregon with Mt. Hood in background against sunset sky.

Oregon Passes Exemption to Urban Growth Boundary

Cities have a one-time chance to acquire new land for development in a bid to increase housing supply and affordability.

March 12, 2024 - Housing Wire

Aerial view of green roofs with plants in Sydney, Australia.

Where Urban Design Is Headed in 2024

A forecast of likely trends in urban design and architecture.

March 10, 2024 - Daily Journal of Commerce

Cobblestone street with streetcar line, row of vintage streetlights on left, and colorful restaurant and shop awnings on right on River Street in Savannah, Georgia.

Savannah: A City of Planning Contrasts

From a human-scales, plaza-anchored grid to suburban sprawl, the oldest planned city in the United States has seen wildly different development patterns.

March 12, 2024 - Strong Towns

Aerial View of Chuckanut Drive and the Blanchard Bridge in the Skagit Valley.

Washington Tribes Receive Resilience Funding

The 28 grants support projects including relocation efforts as coastal communities face the growing impacts of climate change.

March 18 - The Seattle Times

Historic buildings in downtown Los Angeles with large "Pan American Lofts" sign on side of building.

Adaptive Reuse Bills Introduced in California Assembly

The legislation would expand eligibility for economic incentives and let cities loosen regulations to allow for more building conversions.

March 18 - Beverly Press

View from above of swan-shaped paddleboats with lights on around artesian fountain in Echo Park Lake with downtown Los Angeles skylien in background at twilight.

LA's Top Parks, Ranked

TimeOut just released its list of the top 26 parks in the L.A. area, which is home to some of the best green spaces around.

March 18 - TimeOut

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.