Processes of Urban and Rural Development: a Comparative Analysis of Europe and China

China, in its construction fever, has imported from Europe a great range of architectural and design features. The planning systems of China and of most European countries are based on functional zoning, allowing meaningful comparison. Nonetheless, the process and goals of spatial planning differ markedly and China largely ignores the distinctive progress achieved in the field in Europe. Across Europe, the model of planning is undergoing important transformations in the last decades, gradually making decisions concerning land­use more participated, flexible and sustainable, and safeguarding the rural dimension. In contrast, the planning system of China is primarily focused on promoting urban GDP growth and is still based on a top­ down approach. The inclusion of some key elements of European planning into the Chinese system, with particular reference to laws establishing national standards and comprehensive environmental protection, would benefit China by reducing the internal inequalities between cities and countryside and safeguarding its natural assets.