The Integrated Urban Climate Action for Low-Carbon & Resilient Cities (Urban-Act) project in Thailand, in collaboration with the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning (DPT) and various stakeholders in China, organised a study trip to Beijing and Shanghai, China, from 20-25 September 2024. This insightful visit brought together policymakers, urban planners, and academics from Thailand and China to exchange knowledge and best practices on climate-resilient urban planning and development.

Policy dialogues and cultural exploration in Beijing

The delegation commenced their visit at the Beijing Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, where they explored detailed models and digital simulations showcasing the city’s transformation. The exhibition highlighted the principles of sustainable urbanisation, with a particular focus on how climate considerations are integrated into urban planning. It is an important example of modern urban development design, demonstrating how cities can grow in a way that balances environmental sustainability with urban expansion.

Participants also visited the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China, a remarkable case study in urban planning and regional development. This visit provided invaluable insights into infrastructure and connectivity, highlighting the delicate balance between preservation and progress. It demonstrated how historical landmarks can remain accessible while retaining their authenticity. The Great Wall stands as a powerful example of the harmonious coexistence of cultural preservation, tourism, and sustainable development. This experience emphasised the critical role of integrating natural and cultural heritage into urban planning frameworks to achieve long-term sustainability and inclusivity.

Furthermore, the delegation engaged with two key Chinese institutions. They met with the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE), Urban-Act China’s political partner, where Director-General Jiang Zhaoli and his team discussed China’s national climate policies, including developments in the carbon market and climate action plans. Additionally, the National Strategy Center for Climate Change and International Cooperation (NCSC), the project implementing agency, discussed strategies for international collaboration on climate mitigation and adaptation.

The delegation’s final engagement in Beijing was with the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and the China Land Surveying and Planning Institute. Here, they delved into spatial planning tools and techniques that integrate climate resilience and urban governance.

Innovation in urban renewal and resilience in Shanghai

In Shanghai, the delegation visited the Sponge City Project in Changning District, which showcased innovative water management techniques aimed at reducing urban flooding and improving water quality. The project highlighted urban renewal strategies that transformed neighbourhoods into green, liveable spaces, demonstrating how cities can adapt to increasing climate challenges.

Shanghai Tongji Urban Planning & Design Institute Ltd. presented a system for collecting and storing rainwater in underground areas. This system is intended for household sanitation, water reuse, and the upkeep of community public parks. By using principles that assess rainfall volume in relation to building construction areas and surface runoff drainage rates, this system helps to mitigate the impact of flooding in communities.

The group also explored the Binjiang Avenue Project, which has revitalised the historic Yangpu and Xuhui riverfronts in Shanghai. Binjiang Avenue, located in Shanghai’s Lujiazui Financial Zone that stretches approximately 2,500-meter public space along the river that was established in 1997. Originally an industrial area, Binjiang Avenue has been transformed into a vibrant public space that features walkways, green areas, and preserved historic elements. The project emphasises human-centred design by prioritising accessibility and community engagement, creating a space that fosters social inclusivity and resilience while respecting the area’s cultural heritage.

At Tongji University, the delegation participated in a dialogue on sustainable mobility and infrastructure renewal. They examined case studies demonstrating how adaptive reuse of industrial spaces and concepts like pedestrian-friendly zones and cycling infrastructure could rejuvenate cities while reducing carbon footprints. The Urban-Act project remains committed to facilitating such exchanges to empower policymakers and practitioners on their journey towards creating sustainable urban futures.