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The Program on Chinese Cities (PCC) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) is a pioneering initiative dedicated to unraveling the complexities of China’s rapid urbanization. Founded in 2008 by Professor Yan Song of the Department of City and Regional Planning (DCRP), the PCC’s mission is to cultivate an internationally recognized research agenda that not only examines the profound impacts of urban expansion on China’s built, social, and natural environments but also explores innovative strategies to make this transformative process more equitable, transparent, socially inclusive, and ecologically sustainable. Through rigorous scholarship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a commitment to real-world application, the program seeks to inform policies and practices that promote resilient urban development in China and beyond, ultimately contributing to global efforts in addressing urbanization challenges.

At the heart of the PCC are three core components that drive its mission:

(1) Research

The PCC’s research activities focus on documenting China’s urbanization process; analyzing its policies and practices; and assessing the global implications of this transformative phenomenon. “The challenges facing China’s urban and rural regions are daunting in scale and complexity; without exaggeration, the lives of millions will depend on how well China manages the urbanization in coming years,” says Professor Song. “It is exciting that we have a group of researchers at DCRP who are developing whole new areas of expertise. Their work focuses on a variety of areas, including but not limited to sustainable environment and energy; land use and transportation planning; real estate development and urban redevelopment, and their social equity implications; economic development policy; property rights, infrastructure planning, and government finance.”

(2) Organizing Conferences and Research Events

These dynamic gatherings invite scholars from around the world to share their insights, exchange ideas, and foster interdisciplinary dialogue on pressing urban issues. By convening experts globally, the PCC amplifies research findings and sparks innovative solutions to urbanization challenges. For example, in December 2023, the PCC organized an international conference on urbanization and carbon emissions, where scholars from the U.S., U.K., and China presented cutting-edge results, discussed emerging trends, and explored opportunities for cross-border collaboration. (For more details on upcoming and past events, please refer to our news/events page.)

(3) Visiting Scholars Program

Since its inception, the PCC has hosted more than 500 visiting scholars from China, providing a vibrant platform for academic exchange and professional growth. The program welcomes participants for flexible durations, ranging from three months to five years, enabling deep immersion in collaborative research and knowledge sharing.

Housed within UNC’s Department of City and Regional Planning, the PCC conducts cutting-edge research, training, and international exchanges to deepen understanding of China’s built, natural, and social landscapes. Looking ahead, as urbanization continues to reshape global societies, the PCC envisions a future where China’s cities become exemplars of harmony between human progress and planetary health—pioneering low-carbon models, inclusive growth, and adaptive resilience amid climate uncertainties. By expanding international partnerships, leveraging emerging technologies like AI-driven urban planning, and influencing policy at the highest levels, we aim to drive transformative changes that benefit billions worldwide. We invite researchers, policymakers, practitioners and students to join us in this forward-looking endeavor, co-creating sustainable urban futures that inspire and endure for generations to come.

Welcome to The Program on Chinese Cities