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The pace of urbanization in contemporary China is nothing short of dizzying. Seventy years ago, at the time of the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, 80% of the population were farmers based in rural areas. Now, over 60% of all Chinese citizens live in cities of various sizes, and it is projected that by 2030, the number of urban dwellers will exceed 1 billion. As one would expect, the challenges that these dynamics pose to Chinese architects and urban planners are staggering. So how do these beleaguered builders design a modern city in China from scratch in the face of so many changing variables? How do they create cities that strike a balance between modern and traditional aesthetics? And what kinds of obstacles can they expect to face throughout this process?

Featuring:
Andrea Krupski von Mansberg : Architect & urban designer
Li Shuwen | 李书雯 : Architect & urban planner
Lars Ulrik Thom : Founder of Beijing Postcards

Middle Earth is made by China Compass Productions and hosted by Aladin Farré. If you have a China-themed cultural project like shooting your next documentary or look for a specific talent, please get in touch! 

Recommended watching:
- Imperial City Wall Relics Park, located on the east side of the Forbidden City in Beijing.
- Xiangshan Central Campus of the China Academy of Art, located in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. 

Answers to the episode quiz:
- The CCTV headquarters in Beijing is the most expensive building in China, with an estimated cost of $800 million (approximately 5.7 billion yuan).
- Tiananmen Square has the same area as Vatican City, 0.44 km2 (0.17 sq mi).
- Ordos (鄂尔多斯) may be the most famous Chinese “ghost town.” Located in Inner Mongolia, Ordos was supposed to house almost a million people working in the natural resources industry.

With thanks to Brenden Gonsalves  for graphic design & Sean Calvo for music support. 

The World of Chinese Magazine
A magazine about Chinese society, culture, history, arts, language, and more.