Green infrastructure for China’s new urbanisation: A case study of greenway development in Maanshan

Abstract

China's recent environmental turn in urban development has been marked by a rush of urban green projects. Many city governments have lately focused on green infrastructure of a specific kind -the greenway. This article provides a preliminary assessment of the contributions of greenways to a new, environmentally benign form of urbanisation advocated by the central government. Through a case study of the city of Maanshan, it reveals that Chinese greenways are not just a sustainability fix for the economy's sake, as many urban green projects in China tend to be conceived. Although the greenways are far from being effective in stimulating tourism, they can promote urban liveability beyond the symbolic and lend material support to active travel. These findings endorse an analytical approach that gives equal emphasis to both the physical and political nature of emerging green infrastructure initiatives to more fully appreciate the logics and functions in their ongoing popularity.

Adding new narratives to the urban imagination: An introduction to ‘New directions of urban studies in China’

“…Originating in Guangdong (Chung et al, 2018), greenways are a popular type of environmental project because they enhance a green image, green amenities and access to green spaces. In the city of Maanshan in Anhui province, massive greenways of more than 250 km are being planned and constructed (Zhang et al, 2020). The development of greenways is a requirement by the provincial government, which in turn follows the guidance of the Ministry of Housing and Urban–Rural Development.…”

Understanding the Linkages and Importance of Urban Greenspaces for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals 2030

“…C40, the network of mayors of nearly 100 world-leading cities, has signed C40's urban nature declaration and committed further significant investments in urban greenspaces to protect cities from the impacts of climate change and ensure everyone has access greenspaces (C40 Cities, 2022). The National New-Type Urbanization Plan (2014-2020) (NNUP) of China has reinforced the central state's commitment to fostering greener patterns of urban development (Zhang, Chung, & Yin, 2020). The city of Melbourne has introduced an urban forest strategy from 2012-2032 to maintain the health and livability of Melbourne (City of Melbourne, 2012).…”

Is Chinese urbanisation unique?

“…The actual continuously built-up urban area within the ring road houses around 10–11 million people (Lin and Ho, 2005; Lin, 2007, 2014; Shi and Tang, 2020; Tao et al, 2010). Today, however, there are major debates about green cities and green ways (Zhang et al, 2019; Wu and Phelps, 2011).…”