Speaker
Description
This study explores the phases of urban development in Chinese cities, focusing on the transition from rapid expansion to strategic regeneration. As most cities move from their growth phase to maturity and renewal, urban regeneration becomes crucial in managing accumulated spatial resources. A key challenge in this process involves renewing historic districts, which requires balancing diverse stakeholders (governments, residents, tourists, developers) and integrating complex factors such as property rights, infrastructure, and funding. Using the case study of Nantou Ancient Town in Shenzhen, this paper examines how China's dual governance model—where the government acts both as a developmental and entrepreneurial state—mobilizes multi-stakeholder participation in urban renewal. The research methodology involves interviews with key stakeholders directly participating in the project, providing critical insights into decision-making processes and stakeholder dynamics. Grounded in Polanyi’s “double movement” theory, the analysis highlights the market-driven approach aiming for economic growth, alongside a social protection mechanism that seeks to preserve heritage and local communities. This dual approach fosters both economic modernization and social equity. The mixed governance model offers a pathway to collaborative and strategic urban regeneration, blending state-led planning with market forces and social inputs. The findings contribute to understanding the evolving nature of Chinese urban governance and offer insights for future renewal strategies.
| Keywords | Chinese urban governance; urban regeneration; multi stakeholders |
|---|---|
| Best Congress Paper Award | Yes |
