Xi’s Aesthetic: From Weird Buildings to Xiong’an

Episode Narrative

In the years from 1991 to 2025, China has undergone an extraordinary transformation, particularly through the lens of urbanization. Megacities have risen from the earth, sprawling into their surroundings with a tenacity that has changed the landscape and the lives of millions. These urban centers have not just grown in size but have also surged in population, with urban land expanding by more than 150% between 2000 and 2018. Yet this rapid growth has come at a cost, often outpacing essential sustainable development goals. The balance between progress and preservation is a constant thread that weaves through the fabric of contemporary Chinese society.

The shift in urban growth patterns marks a pivotal juncture. What once might have seemed like unbridled expansion has evolved into a more tempered approach, as the government increasingly prioritizes sustainable urbanization practices. These new-type urbanization policies aim to strike a balance between economic progress, social equity, and environmental stewardship. For the leaders in Beijing, the challenge is not just about creating cities, but about building vibrant communities that can withstand the tests of time, climate, and human ambition.

At the heart of this urban narrative lies the Xiong’an New Area, a flagship project announced in 2017. Positioned as a model for the 21st century, this new zone is designed as a “green smart city.” Here, ecological preservation is not merely an afterthought but rather a core principle guiding every aspect of development. Advanced technology and integrated urban-rural connections are hallmarks of the Xiong’an vision, promising a future where people can thrive in harmony with their environment. Under Xi Jinping’s leadership, this ambitious framework seeks to redefine the essence of urban living in China.

In a remarkable pivot from the previous era’s architectural flamboyance, Xi’s administration has enacted strict measures against “weird” buildings — those extravagant and often outlandishly designed structures that once dotted the skyline. This crackdown reflects a broader agenda of architectural thrift and social harmony. Instead of setting trends that revel in uniqueness and complexity, the focus has shifted to fostering an aesthetic that promotes dignity and sustainability. The once-chaotic skyline is transforming into a more cohesive, responsible urban palette.

As cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen have grown, so too has the imperative to enhance urban infrastructure through targeted urban renewal strategies. These initiatives have prioritized improving public services and facilities, ensuring that social equity is at the forefront of urban planning. The notion of old towns and heritage sites being revitalized is not just about beauty; it is a commitment to improving living conditions for everyone. The connectivity of transportation and educational facilities often contrasts sharply with the uneven availability of healthcare amenities, starkly influencing the quality of urban life across these sprawling metropolises.

The megaregions of China — organically evolving cities like the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei and the Pearl River Delta — have fundamentally transformed how people interact within urban landscapes. The government's active role in shaping these growth patterns cannot be overstated. However, every edge-expansion initiative raises philosophical questions about land use and efficiency. How does one reconcile rapid urban development with the necessity of preserving agricultural land? With over 70% of new urban land coming at the expense of cropland, concerns surrounding food security loom larger than ever.

As cities expand, the specter of environmental degradation follows closely behind. Pollution levels have soared, not only contributing to urban heat islands but wreaking havoc on air quality. New urbanization policies increasingly emphasize ecological protection and urban resilience as essential responses to these challenges. The complexities of urban governance reflect a balancing act akin to walking a tightrope. Each decision carries the weight of potential consequence, testing the resilience of both the infrastructure and the community.

While the past few decades have seen head-spinning growth, there’s a growing recognition of the need for more nuanced and integrated approaches. Urban entrepreneurialism has emerged as a driving force in cities, promoting innovation and enhancing competitiveness while simultaneously raising the specter of social disparity. The “Common Prosperity” campaign under Xi Jinping has steered urban policy toward creating equitable living spaces, regulating luxury real estate, and broadening access to public housing. Yet, the policies aimed at ensuring equitable growth must also grapple with the complexities of urban spatial dynamics — quite frequently, high-demand areas remain underutilized, underscoring the urgent need for better planning frameworks.

Illegal construction practices have become a focal point of Xi's administration, particularly regarding extravagant villas in sensitive ecological zones like the Qinling Mountains. This has not only been a cultural prerogative but part of a larger ideological campaign against corruption and excess. The aesthetics of urban development are no longer just about architectural style; they signify societal values and communal principles.

Another landmark initiative, the National New Urbanization Plan, piloted from 2014 to 2020, seeks to revolutionize the urban landscape. Comprehensive reforms aimed at enhancing urban innovation capacity are paving the way for urban growth that is sustainable. These reforms highlight the increasing use of advanced tools like GIS-based community analysis to guide city planning, reflecting a broader shift toward data-driven design and decision-making.

Yet, despite the ambitious visions laid out by planners, the question of legacy remains. As we sweep the sands of time, what will be the lasting image etched into the annals of Chinese urban history? Will the megacities stand as glowing testimonies of human ingenuity or as cautionary tales of unchecked ambition? The Xiong’an project stands poised at this crossroads, embodying the hope of a future where cities can grow, thrive, and respect the legacy of their landscapes.

As we reflect on the journey from unchecked growth to a more calculated vision for urban settlement, we are reminded of the delicate harmony that must be achieved between ambition and responsibility. The urban centers of China are mirrors — not only of the nation's aspirations but of its challenges. Each building tells a story, every street carries a lesson. In shaping these new urban realities, we must ask ourselves how we can build cities not just for today, but for generations yet to come. As the dawn breaks on this new era of planning and design, we stand on the threshold of understanding that the beauty of our cities must be measured not only in their aesthetic but in the agility with which they engage the rhythms of life and nature alike.