The Development And Transition Of District Planning In China

After the two rounds of the adjustment of the Planning Law, a relatively stable framework and work processes have been formed gradually. But it cannot be ignored that problems of redundant types of planning, bloated content framework of the master planning, and the insufficient legal system of planning are existing. With the rapid socioeconomic development in China in recent years, cities have been undergoing intensive transformation of functional, structural and size dimensions. Under this background, planning is also experiencing transformations, with the desire to become a new major force on New Urbanization. Although district planning does not occupy a significant position in the urban planning system, it is embracing new opportunities of development in the new era. The study is based on the transformation of planning system, focusing on the district planning. Through rethinking the motivations, experiences and lessons of the district development, the article will provide a unique perspective for the innovation of the district planning and planning system.This paper composes of eight chapters. It introduces the research background, significance and the study framework in the first chapter, including identifying the basic concept and literature review of the district planning. Chapter 2 and 3 review historical development of district planning, and summary the characters of the district planning in 19 sub-provincial level cities in China. Based on the analysis of the existing problems of the inherent system, it concludes that ’born in the wrong time, lacking of consensus, and the centralization of power’ are the three main reasons for the marginalization of district planning in China. Chapter 4 lists the new opportunities and challenges of the planning system and district planning, discussing the new roles and functions that district planning may take on. Chapter 5 analyses the international cases, summaries the different planning system in different countries, focusing on the areas of same scales and levels as China. It concludes planning functions and operations in the sub level of planning system with introducing London as a case study. Chapter 6 draws several suggestions and proposals of planning system and district planning, based on the current characteristics and international experience. It proposes that new changes should be made, such as redefinition of district planning, transformation of the methodology, and reconstruction of the content and support system. Chapter 7 takes the master planning of Qinhuai district, Nanjing as a specific case for further study. It clarifies the progress of optimizing the district planning and the limitations under the existing system. Moreover, suggestions for transition in the future are proposed. Conclusion and discussion are included in chapter 8, analyzing the innovation and limitations of this paper.