1. Chinese in Global Context
PLAN A6526
Columbia University
Prof. Weiping Wu
Urban Livability and Prospects

2. Contradictions Incomplete urbanization Fragmented urban growth
People
Place
Fragmented urban growth
‘Retreat’ from sustainable forms
Travel
Increasing spatial differentiation

3. Retreat from sustainable forms

4. Changing modes of travel

5. Whither Chinese urbanism?
Urban China is becoming more stratified both within and across cities
Fragile human-environment relationship severely challenged by rising urbanization
Hybrid urban form
Continued centrality of downtown, with high demand for downtown living and commerce
Distinct pattern of ‘suburbanization’ with leapfrog growth and insufficient density

6. New Urbanization Plan ($7 trillion)
Raising rate of urbanization
53.7% in 2014 to 60% by 2020
Population with urban hukou from 36 to 45%
In-situ urbanization for 100 million people in central and western regions
Allow 100 million migrants to gain urban residency in second through fourth tier cities
Improving urban services and housing conditions
For shantytowns where 100 million people live

7. New Urbanization Plan Integrating rural migrants in cities
Hukou will be lifted gradually in cities < 1 million
Loosening restrictions for cities with 1-3 million Possible to get urban hukou in cities of 3-5 million Regulations in “megacities” (populations > 5 million) remain strict
Coordinating development of cities and small towns into “city clusters”
Increasing sustainability of cities
Integrating urban and rural development

8. Planned urban agglomerations
1-Wuchangshi
2-Hachang
3-Liaozhongnan
4-Jingjinji
5-Hubaoeyu
6-Taiyuan
7-Ninxiayanhuang
8-Lanxi
9-Guanzhong
10-Zhongyuan
11-Shandongbandao 12-Chengyu
13-Wuhan
14-Jianghuai
15-Changsanjiao
16-Dianzhong
17-Qianzhong
18-Changzhutan
19-Huanboyanghu
20-Haixiaxian
21-Beibuwan
22-Zhusanjiao

10. Key challenges Achieve full benefits of agglomeration
Urban social-spatial differentiation
Sustained sources to finance urban growth
Fragile human-environment relationship
Water shortage, esp in northern cities
Pollution of coastal water by industries and untreated wastewater
cross-border and intercontinental air pollution
emissions of greenhouse gas

12. Industrial energy use in total energy demand in cities, 2010

13. Industrial & nonindustrial CO2 emissions per capita