China’s tremendous economic and social changes during the last few decades have triggered enormous migration flows from rural to urban areas. This rapid transformation of the urban landscape has been followed by the deteriorating urban infrastructure and pressing problems of pollution, lack of potable water, slums and traffic congestion. Yet, cities also become dynamic “innovation platforms” and a hub for global talent and expertise in a range of areas.

The China Advisory Council within the Understanding China programme will welcome some 40 senior experts on the topic of urbanisation, representing a wide range of stakeholders including European and China policymakers, as well as business and civil society representatives. This upcoming debate aims to provide opportunity to explore China’s urban transition, identify main problems it brings and draw policy implications for sustainable urban planning and development.