Ningbo was recently listed as one of the pilot cities for urban design by China's Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development (MHURD), along with fellow Zhejiang cities Hangzhou and Yiwu.

The listing is expected to be an effective approach to comprehensively improve the design and shaping of Chinese cities. According to MHURD, many cities in China are inexperienced in urban design, and the Ministry hopes that pilot cities can provide good experience for innovative city planning.

Starting from February of 2017, the work of pilot cities will emphasize the creation of urban design management systems to ensure the effective implementation of city planning. Guidance in properly designed architectures and achieving systematic city-fitted goals will also be a focus.

To fulfill the role of a pilot city, Ningbo will carry out 450 urban projects this year, with emphasis on the construction of the Eastern New Town and Yaojiang New Town. The improvement of waterways and the construction of green spaces are included in the city's plan for a more livable environment. To further promote the cultures of Ningbo, three cultural parks and some historic streets are going to be built. Public infrastructures will also be improved in the near future.

Ningbo's new developing Eastern New Town. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]