Urban planning in socialist China

Abstract The People's Republic of China has a highly centralized planning system and claims some success in the elimination of slums and associated urban problems under conditions of fast urban growth. This article provides a broad view of urban planning in a socialist country. It attempts to delve into the ideological values of socialist urban planning through an examination of the principles, theories, institutions, characteristics, functions, and contents of socialist urban planning. It seeks to investigate the tangible effects of these planning doctrines and conventions by exploring urban planning and design practices in China. Finally it evaluates both successful and unsuccessful outcomes of Chinese urban planning practices.