China City Planning Review (No.2, 2024)

♦County-Level Spatial Governance Model in China with a Coupling Relationship of Administrative and Functional Areas 

Author: Lu Qingqiang, Cui Yin, Shang Yanran Translated by Li Min / Proofread by Mao Qizhi DOI: 10.20113/j.ccpr.20240202a

Abstract: County-level administrative divisions and main functional areas are two basic governance systems that act concurrently on county-level geographical units. The administrative division governance focuses on local administration and regular social services, while the main functional area governance focuses on differentiated territorial space development. This paper summarizes the emerging trends and requirements of countylevel spatial governance in China and analyzes the coupling relationship of county-level administrative divisions and main functional areas. Then, the paper proposes to develop an interactive mechanism for the two systems, with administrative divisions focusing on local administration and social governance, and main functional areas focusing on strength complementation and differentiated development. In addition, it puts forward a new county-level spatial governance model featuring a coupling relationship of administrative and functional systems that is well matched with the coordination mechanism. It may provide a reference for improving administrative divisions, the main functional area policy system, and their dynamic adjustments. 

Keywords: administrative divisions; main functional areas; county; spatial governance; the governance system

♦A Land-Based Method for Assessing and Optimizing Carbon Emissions in Spatial Planning of Builtup Areas 

Author: Yang Yiwei, Yan Fengying, Tian Hua Edited by Liu Jinxin / Proofread by Tang Yan DOI: 10.20113/j.ccpr.20240203a

Abstract: Built-up area (BUA) significantly contributes to global greenhouse gas emissions, making strategic spatial planning crucial for carbon emission control. Given the diverse land use patterns and carbon emission sources in BUAs, this study proposed a land-based strategy system for carbon emission assessment and optimization. A three-step method was devised to create a planner-friendly tool for implementing the system, which involves carbon emission intensity calculation based on current land use, spatial illustration of carbon emission intensities based on land use planning, and planning program optimization and emission reduction effect assessment. The method was applied to the central urban area of Changxing County (Zhejiang) in China. The results showed that the structures and emission intensities of urban land use substantially influenced the overall carbon emissions in the central urban area. Our comprehensive land use optimization strategies reduced the overall carbon emissions of the central urban area by 36.9% when compared to the original planning program. The Monte Carlo simulation indicated that land use structure optimization and emission intensity control measures could reduce carbon emission rate by 5.20% to 18.28%, and 18.44% to 31.67%, respectively. The results underlined the importance of making specific adjustments to land use structure and implementing intensity control measures for effective carbon reduction. In conclusion, this study offers methods and insights for urban planners in creating sustainable and low-carbon urban spaces. 

Keywords: land use; carbon emission effect; spatial planning; built-up area (BUA); carbon accounting; planning program optimization

♦Research on the Influencing Mechanisms of Carbon Emissions in the Typical Chinese Urban Agglomeration in the Yangtze River Delta 

Author: Wei Meng, Xu Jiangang, Qi Hongnian, Cai Zhi, Cui Hao Translated by Liu Jinxin / Proofread by Liu Jiayan DOI: 10.20113/j.ccpr.20240204a

Abstract: Urban agglomeration plays a vital role in fostering high-quality and sustainable development in China, where urbanization rates significantly influence both urban and rural environments, generating different economic and socio-spatial impacts that, in turn, influence carbon emissions in cities. To delve into the influencing mechanisms of carbon emissions, this paper examines the spatio-temporal pattern of carbon emissions across 41 cities in the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration in China. It utilizes data on economic, social, and spatial factors from 2012 to 2019 and employs a spatial econometric regression model for analysis. The results indicate that carbon emissions of cities in the urban agglomeration exhibited strong spatial correlation from 2012 to 2019, characterized by relatively stable cold and hot spots, along with continuous outward spread of high-value zones. Economic and social factors demonstrate a significant positive spatial correlation with carbon emissions of a city, with weak spatial spillover effects. Spatial factors exhibit correlations with carbon emissions in both the city and neighboring cities, with strong spatial spillover effects. Moreover, the spatial layout and functional division of cities in the urban agglomeration also significantly impact the spatio-temporal pattern of carbon emissions. 

Keywords: economic and social factor; urban spatial factor; carbon emissions; spatial econometric analysis; urban agglomeration

♦A Framework of Carbon Emission Estimation and Allocation for Multi-Level Territories: A Case Study of Hinggan Prefecture 

Author: Chen Lelin Translated by Qian Fang / Proofread by Liu Jian DOI: 10.20113/j.ccpr.20240205a

Abstract: It is proven a powerful tool to reduce carbon emissions by regulating urban land use structure. To leverage this tool, land-use carbon emission intensity (LUCEI) is the critical indicator to bridge carbon emissions effects of natural and human activities to land use structure. Current studies try to established the carbon emission allocation framework of “carbon emission inventory – land use category” and use it to estimate the LUCEI. However, none of the frameworks work at multiple spatial scales: the total carbon emissions and the land use category at different territorial levels do not conform with each other, impeding the synergetic effects of the low-carbon planning at different territorial levels. This study establishes a new framework of carbon emission estimation and allocation for the three territorial levels of municipality, city proper, and district and conducts a case study on Hinggan Prefecture. With the new framework, the carbon emission intensity of the entire land use category is being systematically differentiated, enabling the clarification of the linkages between LUCEI and the characteristics of energy structure, industrial structure, and urban forms of cities. The comparison of LUCEI of residential and transportation land between cities identifies the characteristics of urban form that are apt to high carbon emissions. The biggest contribution of the framework established in this study provides a technical tool to introduce carbon emission quantification into the territorial and spatial planning system. It may help deepen the understanding about the spatial pattern of carbon emissions and support a more refined estimation and comparison of the carbon effects of land use planning schemes. 

Keywords: carbon emission inventory; land-use carbon emission intensity; territorial and spatial planning; urban form

♦Spatio-Temporal Pattern of Carbon Emissions and Response Strategies in Wuhan Region 

Author: Zhan Qingming, Zhao Xinyue, Tang Lujia, Li Xuan Translated by Li Min / Proofread by Lai Yuan DOI: 10.20113/j.ccpr.20240206a

Abstract: Global climate change, driven by increasing carbon emissions, has posed a significant challenge to both human survival and development, becoming a major issue for the sustainable progress of human society. This paper examines the characteristics and differences in the spatio-temporal distribution of carbon emissions and sinks across Wuhan Region that is stratified into three spatial levels: Hubei Province, the Wuhan Metropolitan Area, and Wuhan City. On a finer spatial scale within Wuhan, it uncovers the spatial correlations and disparities between carbon emissions and sinks. Accordingly, the paper proposes strategies and suggestions for reducing carbon emissions and enhancing carbon sinks at the provincial, metropolitan, and municipal levels. These findings are valuable for sustainable regional development and construction of low-carbon eco-cities. Keywords carbon emissions; spatio-temporal pattern; carbon neutrality; Wuhan Metropolitan Area; response strategies

♦How the Perceived Built Environment Affects Pedestrian Well-Being: Evidence from Three Types of Neighborhoods in Harbin, China 

Author: Dong Wei, Liu Yan, Dong Yu, Wu Wen, Chen Ying Edited by Li Caige / Proofread by Liu Jiayan DOI: 10.20113/j.ccpr.20240207a

Abstract: Pedestrian well-being reflects emotional experience during walking. Analyzing which built environment factors influence pedestrian wellbeing not only helps to improve residents’ physical and mental health but also encourages more walking. Based on the data obtained via a questionnaire survey in Harbin, China, a gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT) model is developed to analyze how the perception of the built environment influences pedestrian well-being and to explain the differences across types of neighborhoods (old, new, and mixed). The results show that pedestrian well-being is most influenced by the diversity of daily service facilities, followed by the number of commercial facilities along a street, the accessibility of daily service facilities, and green spaces. Moreover, pedestrian well-being is also influenced by the type of neighborhoods. In new neighborhoods, it is dominated by the accessibility of public transport stations, while in old and mixed neighborhoods, pedestrian well-being is primarily determined by the accessibility of green spaces and the number of green spaces, respectively. Depending on the characteristics of the built environment, different intervention measures are proposed to improve pedestrian well-being and promote walking. 

Keywords: pedestrian well-being; perceived built environment; gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT); neighborhood; subjective well-being

♦Financial Balance Mechanism in the Transformation of Urban Village Housing to Government-Subsidized Housing: A Case Study of the LM Apartments Project in Shuiwei Village, Shenzhen 

Author: Lin Xiaoru, Xu Minghui, Jia Yuxuan, Zhu Chasong, Pan Aifeng Translated by Li Caige / Proofread by Lai Yuan DOI: 10.20113/j.ccpr.20240208a

Abstract: Financial balance is a requisite for the sustained operation of urban regeneration projects in the stock-based planning period. From the perspective of financial balance, this paper analyzes the operation strategy and mechanism of the LM Apartments Project in Shuiwei Village of Shenzhen from four aspects: the financial input in the initial stage, the revenue and expenditure in the operational stage, the financial relationship between multiple stakeholders, and the control of non-financial costs. The findings reveal that under the tripartite cooperation between the government, the state-owned enterprise, and the village collective, the LM Apartments Project in Shuiwei Village is a model of urban village regeneration that effectively supplements Shenzhen’s government-subsidized housing system. Of the three parties, the government provides policy support and asset-light investment; Shum Yip Group, a state-owned enterprise, has carried out innovative practices of urban village regeneration while making a small profit; the Shuiwei village collective has achieved sustained economic benefits and a high-quality living environment. The paper further discusses the external effects of this practice and probes into the conditions for the wide application of this mode in the hope of providing a useful reference for promoting the application of the financial balance mechanism in urban village regeneration projects. 

Keywords: urban village; government-subsidized housing; financial balance; urban regeneration; Shuiwei Village