Advancing sustainable urban development in China

Chinese urban life is improving rapidly in line with the country’s economic growth. However, public services are not able to meet the needs of the improving urban life due to insufficient urban infrastructure. How to provide good public services is a question that needs to be considered further, as well as how to continue sustainable urban development in China. This paper examines the current state of urban development and investment conditions in China. The characteristics of urban infrastructure construction and the associated problems are also investigated. Considering the conditions of urban development in China and similar experiences worldwide, the utilisation of underground space for urban infrastructure construction is suggested as the main direction for sustainable development. Underground utilities, utility tunnels and stormwater systems are recommended for rationalising urban infrastructure construction and city flood prevention, as well as for providing new water resources. In addition, general strategies are proposed for sustainable urban development. If underground space is effectively utilised and general strategies implemented, public services can be improved rapidly and sustainable urban development can be realised for all cities in China.