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The Seven Problems of China's Urban Cultural Construction
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Overlook Weekly magazine's March 21 issue featured an interview with Shan Jixiang, director-general of the State Administration of Cultural Heritage. Shan addressed the seven problems that weigh down on China's urban cultural construction. Many Chinese cities blithely rely on blueprints for new "internationalized metropolises" ignoring the fact that this incites blind competition and is in itself a completely fantastical notion.

Shan Jixiang

Lingering remnants of old cities

What people remember of a city is part of that city's cultural value, said Shan. However, the so-called "refurbishment of old districts with dangerous and old houses" allows new commercial operations to encroach on the architectural heritage, which is meant to be rebuilt. Methods of development -- widespread demolition and reconstruction -- have destroyed many of China's historical relics, damaging urban diversity and further effacing the fading memories of a city's origin.

Convergence between cities

A city's appearance draws directly upon cultural and historical influences, Shan argued. The older its tradition, the more distinctive its imprint will be. Unfortunately, in China's modern construction, copycat techniques are widespread, providing each city with a monotonous imprint devoid of originality. "People feel more like strangers in their own city," he complained.

People's interests not respected

Today's urban planners choose to consider land usage and real estate development and their potential economic gains while utterly disregarding popular opinion, Shan asserted. The rapid expansion of urban areas has led to over-urbanization of many areas with sprawling complexes reducing available cultivated land, a direct example of acting against the best interests of the people. 

A city's vulgar image

A city can radiate energy and vibrancy should the residents' positive sense of identity match this, said Shan. However, today's cities lack any vivid arrangement, structure, layout or appeal. Medium-sized cities seem to be emulating their larger cousins in erecting skyscrapers, without taking into account individual urban landscapes or habitat conditions.

Decaying urban environment

A good urban environment can improve people's health and let creativity and initiative run free, the director-general declared. However, some cities are now saturated with problems: poor air and water quality, noise pollution, greenhouse effect, traffic congestion, energy shortages and dwindling green areas. Many of these arise by the large-scale demolition of old neighborhoods and poor reconstruction. In addition, those historical vestiges that remain are becoming over-commercialized and poorly-maintained.

Negative urban management

The task of urban management should be to ensure that the citizens within its remit enjoy not only a convenient, comfortable and safe material atmosphere but also a positive cultural environment, said Shan. However, some local governments take this task as only meaning to "rule the city," leading to a haphazard system where law and science fall by the wayside and are replaced by personal conviction and experience. A problem is often brushed aside or tackled superficially without paying attention to root causes, due to a lack of long-term strategies, Shan pointed out.

Degradation of urban culture

A city's cultural resources, atmosphere and development collectively reflect that city's competitiveness and potential future progress, Shan insisted. However, as outside pop culture conquers much of a city's interest, shallow cultural beliefs are adopted. In turn, this leads to mediocre and vulgar taste, threatening to eclipse great traditions and considered culture. Shan lamented the widespread materialism that he believes has led to a severe "cultural crisis" and severe social problems.

(China.org.cn by Li Jingrong, March 29, 2007)

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