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Developing resilient cities provides a window of opportunity for high-quality urban development in China. Against the complicated backdrop of intertwined shocks and stresses, urbanization in China has entered Phase 2.0, a critical stage for transformation and upgrading. During this critical period, promoting the development of resilient cities is of great significance for shifting China’s urban development from a pursuit of quantitative expansion to quality improvement, coping with uncertainties in the future, and ultimately achieving sustainable development. This report explores how the 100 Resilient Cities program (and now GRCN) has contributed in the area of resilient cities through its initiatives in China. Based on lessons and achievements over the last five years, the report offers suggestions to the central government and local governments to further promote the development of resilient cities.
In 2014, Huangshi and Deyang were selected as member cities of the 100RC network. After five years, both cities successfully finished a process of identifying resilience challenges, formulation of resilience strategies, and the initial implementation of strategic initiatives. This experience of building resilient cities has been targeted towards meeting the development need of Chinese cities. Huangshi and Deyang are typical second and third-tier cities, that represent the majority of Chinese cities and boast enormous potential for future urbanization. The two resilient cities have developed localized practices for China, setting a good example for many other cities.