Possibilities and Limitations of Chinese Eco-City Development

“This book is a timely study of humanistic planning in China’s eco-cities, using the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City as a compelling case study. Yani Wu’s interdisciplinary approach highlights the often-overlooked social and psychological dimensions of sustainable urban design. By foregrounding the relationship between people and place, the book challenges the technocratic tendencies of eco-city development and reframes sustainability through a human-centred lens. It offers both academic depth and practical guidance for creating truly liveable and eco-friendly cities.”

— Patricia Aelbrecht, Senior Lecturer in Urban Design, Planning and Intercultural Studies School of Geography and Planning, Cardiff University, UK

This book explores the role of public spaces in Chinese people-oriented eco-city development, focusing on its contribution to creating sustainable and liveable urban environment. As green urbanization gradually progresses in China, the public space has become essential in enhancing quality of life, fostering community connections as well as facilitating people’s interactions with nature. Through typical qualitative analysis, this book examines how public spaces promote community engagement and provide essential public services in the eco-city. Key themes include humanistic planning and social sustainability. This work will be of particular interest to scholars, policy makers, urban planners, offering valuable insights into both humanistic and ecological considerations in the eco-city development.

Yani Wu is the postdoctoral researcher of School of Public Affairs at Zhejiang University, and also the postdoctoral researcher at Zhejiang Urban Governance Studies Centre. She obtained both Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree from the University of Sheffield, followed by the PhD at Cardiff University.