China’s New Urban Space Regulation Policies: A Study of Urban Development Boundary Delineations

Zhuzhou Zhuang,Qianwen Cheng,Yu Gao,Qiuhao Huang,Dong Chen,Yanming Chen,Kaiyuan Li,Jiaxun Liu,Jinxia Shan,Lingyan Cai

doi:10.3390/su9010045

Abstract

China’s rapid urbanisation has led to ecological deterioration and reduced the land available for agricultural production. The purpose of this study is to develop an urban development boundary delineation (UDBD) model using the high-tech manufacturing area of Xinbei in the District of Changzhou as a case study, and by applying remote sensing, GIS, and other technologies. China’s UDBD policies are reviewed, spatiotemporal changes since 1985 are documented, and future expansion is modelled to 2020. The simulated urban-growth patterns are analysed in relation to China’s policies for farmland preservation, ecological redlines protection areas, and housing developments. The UDBD model developed in this study satisfies regional farmland and ecological space protection constraints, while being consistent with urban development strategies. This study provides theoretical references and technological support for the implementation of land management policies that will optimize land allocations for urban growth, agriculture, and ecological protection.

Highlights

China is the world’s most populous and rapidly developing country, and negative impacts of urban growth are already apparent
Limiting the spatial extent of urban growth has become a priority for China, which is facing the question of how the country can meet the needs for both socioeconomic development and ecological and environmental protection in areas with different levels of urban development, and different regional environmental requirements
The methods used to conduct this study are based on a combination of remote sensing (RS) land-based observation images, socioeconomic statistics, and land classification results, and the application of GIS spatial analysis and SLEUTH model simulation techniques

Summary

Introduction

China is the world’s most populous and rapidly developing country, and negative impacts of urban growth are already apparent. Zoning delineates where urban growth is permitted, which ecological areas are to be protected, and where agricultural production can occur, and permits the implementation of differentiated land management policies. With this objective in mind, China’s Central Urbanisation Work Conference in December 2013 proposed the rapid implementation of UDBs specific to each Chinese city, and especially China’s large cities, to affect urbanisation in a natural setting, while preserving the country’s lush mountains and clean waters for the benefit of urban residents. Limiting the spatial extent of urban growth has become a priority for China, which is facing the question of how the country can meet the needs for both socioeconomic development and ecological and environmental protection in areas with different levels of urban development, and different regional environmental requirements

Objectives

Results

Discussion

Conclusion