Urban Fringe the New Frontier in China's New Urbanism

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.