Shanghai Releases Blueprint for Becoming Global Cosmopolis by 2035

Shanghai City has released a new State Council-approved master development plan for the years 2017 - 2035, which envisions to build Shanghai into a global cultural metropolis by 2035. Based on the insight that Shanghai has reached a turning point in its urban development, the Shanghai government has drawn up goals that reflect its striving towards a more socially, economically and environmentally sustainable city development. Key targets included in the master plan are to strengthen Shanghai’s economic involvement in the Belt and Road Initiative and the Yangtze River Economic Belt Strategy, as well as to aim for a better positioning among the neighbouring cities in the region. Further, the city foresees to implement regulations that will limit the population to 25 million by 2035, to set land limitations for construction and more actively encourage a housing system based on both purchase and rental. With regards to improving livability and life quality for the city’s residents, the plan involves the expansion of the public transport network, a more connected and accessible community service provision system and a significant rise in the amount of public and green spaces available per person. To the article...