Chinese cities are destroying their architectural heritage as they rush to urbanize, according to Shan Jixiang, head of the State Administration of Cultural Heritage.
"Shan said that many Chinese cities are heading in the wrong direction by massively demolishing architectural gems even as urbanization is causing development problems in urban and rural areas alike.
Official figures underscore Shan's assertion. The most recent data issued by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development indicates that China has built 2 billion square meters of new houses every year -- consuming 40 percent of the world's building materials."
That fast pace of growth is also destroying many of the historic sites and buildings within its cities, which is causing concerns to historians and preservationists.
FULL STORY: Overdevelopment is destroying China's heritage, says official
Planetizen’s Top Planning Books of 2023
The world is changing, and planning with it.
How AI Envisions American Neighborhoods
How well does artificial intelligence ‘get’ U.S. cities?
What Abandoned Places Teach Us
Abandoned cities and other forsaken human-built sites are haunted by the mistakes city leaders and builders have made over centuries.
Seattle Legalizes Co-Living
A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.
NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project
Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.
The City of Broken Sidewalks
Can Los Angeles fix 4,000 miles of broken sidewalks before the city hosts the 2028 Olympic Games?
Why Some Affordable Housing Managers Are Running Education Programs
Many housing organizations are finding that educational programs are a logical — and valuable — addition to their offerings.
Anchorage Bus Depot to Reopen
After a four-year closure, a downtown Anchorage transit center will once again provide indoor waiting areas and services for bus travelers.
Mapping a Greener Future: Cal Poly Tackles Urban Canopy Challenges
Cal Poly, in partnership with Cal Fire, is leading the development of California’s new Strategic Plan for Urban Forestry, combining advanced data tools and interdisciplinary collaboration to expand tree canopy cover.
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.
Village of Glen Ellyn
City of Laramie
American Planning Association, Sustainable Communities Division
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport
Rockdale County Board of Commissioners