Urban Planning and Practice of Eco-City in China

As the concept of ecological urban planning and construction deepens, the market size of China’s ecological urban planning industry will continue to expand in the future. Currently, it is a critical period for the transformation and development of the planning industry. More and more Chinese cities have begun to embrace “livable, sustainable, and harmonious” as their development goals. Ecological urbanization is the major trend in China’s urban development, and it requires a new phase in terms of conceptual thinking, technological integration, and urban governance.

This lecture, themed “Urban Planning and Practice of Eco-City in China”, explores the path of transformation towards ecological cities and discusses the systematic approach to ecological urban construction in China. Using the example of the Yangtze River Delta Ecological Green Integrated Development Demonstration Area as a case study, it shares China’s experiences and achievements in ecological urban construction and planning.

Prof. Shen Lei is a distinguished leader in urban planning and sustainable development. As the Executive Deputy Director of the China Institute of Eco-City and Chief Engineer of the China Urban Science Research Association, he spearheads pioneering initiatives in the realm of urban innovation.

 Prof. Shen’s extensive expertise is showcased through his roles as Director, Professor, and Ph.D. Supervisor at Zhejiang University’s Center for Urban and Rural Development and Planning Innovation. His contributions extend further as a Member of the Urban Design Expert Committee of the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development.

 With a dynamic portfolio, Prof. Shen serves as the Chief Planner for Jiaxing City and the Ecological Green Integrated Development Demonstration Area in the Yangtze River Delta (Jiashan County). His outstanding work has earned him accolades, including the 2022 Lustre Award – China Design Gold Award and the First Prize of the 2019 Huaxia Construction Science and Technology Award from the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development. Prof. Shen’s dedication to sustainable urbanization continues to shape China’s urban landscape.