Since the launch of reform and opening up, China has experienced the world's largest and fastest urbanization process, successfully charting a unique path of urban development with Chinese characteristics. Particularly after the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), guided by the principle that "cities are built by the people and for the people," the country has made historic progress in urban planning, construction, and governance. Today, China's urban development stands as a vivid reflection of its modernization journey.

A more livable city

Comfortable and spacious housing is a shared aspiration of the Chinese people. Urban development must prioritize livability and safety and provide the best resources for the people."

Since 2013, the Chinese government has worked to improve housing affordability for low-income groups through extensive shantytown and old neighborhood renovation projects. By 2024, more than 68 million units of affordable and resettlement housing—including facilities for senior and child care—had been built across the country, providing new homes for about 170 million households in need. Over 240,000 aging residential communities have been upgraded, benefiting 120 million residents. Today, the per capita housing area in urban China exceeds 40 square meters, marking the establishment of the world's largest affordable housing system.

A more convenient city

The government has vigorously advanced infrastructure building and public transport upgrades to create safer and more convenient travel conditions for residents.

China's urban rail transit network now extends over 11,000 kilometers—the longest in the world—while urban bus routes total 1.75 million kilometers. Every day, around 100 million people travel by rail transit, another 100 million by bus, 100 million use taxis or ride-hailing services, and 24 million rely on shared bicycles.

Empowered by digital technology and artificial intelligence, Chinese cities now can efficiently coordinate daily transport operations for hundreds of millions of people, reducing congestion and enhancing operational efficiency. Meanwhile, the country has built 4.25 million 5G base stations and has over 200 million gigabit broadband users, forming the world's largest mobile and fiber-optic communication networks.

Guidelines for high-quality urban development in the new era call for continuously improving modern urban systems and creating high-quality living spaces—advancing the vision of "cities for the people."

A more eco-friendly city

For the first time in 2025, the Chinese government included the construction of safe, comfortable, green, and smart "quality housing" in its annual work report, embedding the concept of green development into urban planning. The country has redoubled efforts to reduce pollution, cut carbon emissions, and expand urban green spaces, responding to public demand for better living environments.

Technological innovation drives nationwide "waste-free city" initiatives. For example, in the city of Harbin in northeast China, more than 1.9 million tonnes of municipal solid waste are processed each year with 100 percent harmless treatment, generating 720 million kilowatt-hours of electricity.

At the same time, cities are becoming greener. By 2025, China had established 212 national forest parks, 48,000 pocket parks, and more than 128,000 kilometers of greenways. Urban greening coverage reached 43.32 percent. In Beijing, the "Garden City" initiative has added 1,100 parks, ensuring that 92.9 percent of residents have access to a park within a 500-meter radius of their homes.

A safer city

China is among the safest countries in the world, with the lowest homicide and criminal offense rates and the fewest firearm-related incidents. This record reflects the government's strong emphasis on social governance and public safety.

Modern technology plays a crucial role: AI-powered hazard detection, smart gas alarms, one-touch emergency systems, and anti-explosion equipment have been widely installed in public spaces, while emergency evacuation points have been established in urban areas, helping China maintain a public safety index above 98 percent for five consecutive years—an achievement widely praised by international visitors and local residents alike.

Cities drive modernization and enrich people's lives. Guided by a people-centered vision, China is building cities into living spaces that are inclusive, sustainable, and full of vitality—turning its modernization blueprint into a reality for all.

Hua Gesheng is a commentator on international and multilateral affairs, writing regularly for Xinhua News Agency, Global Times, China Daily, CGTN, etc. 

The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

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