Territory planning in China: A new regional approach

Under Mao, China followed a Soviet-style development strategy based on industrial growth and under-urbanization. The regional dimension of such policy was largely shaped by defence considerations. The reforms of the 1980s include territory planning–a new, more comprehensive approach to regional planning and development. The National Territory Planning Outlines are reviewed, and a case study of territory planning in Shaanxi Province is used to illustrate the process of plan-making. Awareness of this new approach and familiarity with the materials that it has produced is essential to an understanding of the contemporary Chinese planning system and development process. Territory planning is interpreted as an attempt to move towards a more market-based and decentralized form of development planning, while still operating within the confines of a centrally planned socialist economy. Interesting features are the new emphasis on environmental protection and the acceptance of substantial urbanization