China’s Urban Planning Legislation System in Transition to a Resource-Saving and Environment-Friendly Development

Abstract

This paper examines China’s ongoing transition toward a resource-saving and environment-friendly model of development, focusing on the role of urban planning legislation. It reviews the status and structure of current laws and regulations, and analyses their alignment with sustainable development principles. Using literature review, document analysis, and both quantitative and qualitative methods, the study applies a bottom-up strategy to assess the legal framework from detailed regulations to national laws. Evaluation is based on indicators of low-carbon and eco-city development, including land use, green transportation, green building, energy, ecological environment, waste management, and water supply. The paper concludes with suggestions for strengthening the integration of environmental concerns into China’s urban planning legislation system.