China's Very Own Donald Trump Moves Mountains for New City

China is moving mountains again, but this time it isn't a legendary peasant doing the moving, but instead, Yan Jiehe, former teacher, big time developer and one of China's richest men, who is behind it all.

2 minute read

December 23, 2012, 1:00 PM PST

By Erica Gutiérrez


“In what is being billed as the largest 'mountain-moving project' in Chinese history, one of China's biggest construction firms will spend £2.2bn to flatten 700 mountains levelling the area Lanzhou, allowing developers to build a new metropolis on the outskirts of the north-western city,” reports Jonathan Kaiman. The Lanzhou New Area, a 500 square mile parcel located 50 miles from the the provincial capital of Gansu province, has already attracted billions in investment, and is expected to increase the region's gross domestic product by much more than that (£27bn) by 2030. The project is being spearheaded by the China Pacific Construction Group and its head, Yan Jiehe, who was named China's second-richest man in 2006, and who has made his fortune by investing in struggling state-owned enterprises.

The massive mountain-flattening project has raised concerns about the environmental and financial risks associated with it, and more precisely, about the implications of building in one of “China's most chronically water-scarce municipalities,” writes Kaiman.

"In an email interview, a China Pacific Construction Group spokeswoman dismissed criticisms of the project as unjustified. 'Lanzhou's environment is already really poor, it's all desolate mountains which are extremely short of water,' said Angie Wong. 'Our protective style of development will divert water to the area, achieve reforestation and make things better than before.' She also added, "I think whether it's England or America, or any other country, no one will cease development because of resource scarcity caused by geography."

Kaiman reports that the project has received positive press coverage by Chinese Central Television on its website, which stated, “[t]he new area 'will lead to an environmentally sustainable economy based on energy-saving industries' including advanced equipment manufacturing, petrochemical industries and modern agriculture.” The article includes a promotional video which has also been posted onto the Lanzhou New Area website.

Thursday, December 6, 2012 in The Guardian

Aerial view of Eugene, Oregon at dusk with mountains in background.

Eugene Ends Parking Minimums

In a move that complies with a state law aimed at reducing transportation emissions, Eugene amended its parking rules to eliminate minimum requirements and set maximum parking lot sizes.

December 3, 2023 - NBC 16

Green Paris Texas city limit sign with population.

How Paris, Texas Became a ‘Unicorn’ for Rural Transit

A robust coalition of advocates in the town of 25,000 brought together the funding and resources to launch a popular bus service that some residents see as a mobility lifeline—and a social club.

November 30, 2023 - Texas Monthly

Diagram of visibility at urban intersection.

How ‘Daylighting’ Intersections Can Save Lives

Eliminating visual obstructions can make intersections safer for all users.

November 27, 2023 - Strong Towns

View of wetlands with lilypads at dusk.

States Scramble in Wake of Clean Water Act Ruling

The removal of federal oversight of wetlands has left millions of acres unregulated and erected major hurdles for lawmakers seeking to protect them.

December 5 - Pew Stateline

Rendering of white, yellow, and purple Brightline West high-speed rail train speeding along highway median with blurred cars in foreground.

Brightline West Awarded $3 Billion in Federal Funding

The high-speed rail line will cut travel time between Southern California and Las Vegas roughly in half.

December 5 - Fox 5

Rapid bus at station at night in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

OKC Celebrates New Rapid Bus Line With Free Rides

The agency wants to showcase the benefits of a recently opened BRT line connecting the northwest part of the city to downtown.

December 5 - The Oklahoman

Senior Planner

City of Kissimmee - Development Services

Planner II

City of Kissimmee - Development Services

Senior Travel Demand Modeler

Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

"Rethinking Commuter Rail" podcast & Intercity Bus E-News

Chaddick Institute at DePaul University

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.