“Green cities” in China: philosophy and practice

¹ Novosibirsk State Technical University
² Soochow University
³ Siberian Institute of Management – branch of RANEPA

^* Corresponding author: mkuratchenko@gmail.com

Abstract

The concept of a “green city” is now closely related to the concept of a “smart city” and is not limited by construction of recreational areas; in other words, a park in the center does not make the city “green”. First of all, “Green City” is an area with effective management, developed infrastructure, energy-saving and emission-reducing technologies that harmoniously integrate urban development and environment. The philosophy of the “green city” reflects the idea of an appropriate social structure and values existing in a particular society and is not completely new. For example, the idea of a “garden city” was formulated at the beginning of the XX century and associated with the agrarian-industrial characteristics of the economy, proposing the principles of self-government [1]. The modern concept of the “green city” appeared in Europe and spread fast all over the world, but in different countries this idea has its own interpretation. This article will analyze the specificity of the perception and implementation of the concept of “Green City” in China, which is distinguished by the integration of world experience and traditional Chinese values.