After three weeks of fieldwork across Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Suzhou, and Shanghai, Anna Shpakovskaya explored how China is reshaping its urban future. Her research focuses on city diplomacy and the rise of city clusters—multi-city agglomerations now central to China’s high-quality urban development strategy. Experts highlighted two dynamics: strong top-down policy design and intense competition among cities, even within the same cluster.

Chinese scholars expressed clear enthusiasm for learning from European and American cities, particularly on climate policy and new energy. Urban planning museums showcased a national vision of cities as AI-driven, high-tech hubs, supported by massive infrastructure investments like China’s expanding metro systems.

Her visit coincided with the 70th anniversary of Xinjiang, marked by a rare visit from Xi Jinping and major state investments. On Chinese social media, Xinjiang is portrayed as a land of new opportunities and a bridge to Central Asia.

The upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) will further shape these priorities.