2019 International Conference on China Urban Development

Main Theme: Paradigm Shift to Quality Urbanization

After years of rapid urbanization that emphasized construction and economic growth, China is entering a new era of urban development with a policy focus on the quality of urbanization. This paradigm shift is timely but also challenging. The past urbanization model has led to serious environmental degradation, distortions in land and housing markets, and worsening wealth inequalities. This pattern of development must be addressed through new efforts towards quality of urbanization. Climate change, aging infrastructure, and emerging technologies pose both new challenges and opportunities for the country. China can learn significantly from similar global experiences in new urbanism. Its pursuit for quality urbanization will be crucial for the successful implementation of the New Urban Agenda, which was adopted by national governments at the United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development (Habitat III).

This conference continues the series of International Conferences on China Urban Development, previously held in Cardiff, Hong Kong, Shanghai, London, and Glasgow. It will bring together researchers from urban studies, geography, sociology, economics, political science, urban planning, urban management, public policy, and China studies from different parts of the world. These researchers will share empirical and policy research findings on urbanization and urbanism. It will provide a platform to explore the complex process of urban development in China, and to debate policy and actions towards quality urbanization in an increasingly uncertain world.