Bridging theory and practice: participatory planning in China

摘要

China has recorded the biggest ever urbanization scale in its history, with urban population increased by 200 million over the last two decades (Bureau of National Statistics, 2016). The rapid urbanization is leading to massive urban transformation and challenges of integrating the users' needs and demands into resource use and management. Meanwhile, Chinese citizens, with better education and more access to internet, have become increasingly aware of their rights to be involved in the decision-making processes that affect their living environment. This has made the issue of citizen participation a highlight on policy agenda for the Chinese government to introduce more participatory processes in its governance structure to balance demands from different groups for social harmony and sustainable planning.