Case Study for Leadership 2006 Wuxi Urban Planning and Sustainable Development

About Wuxi and Li Lake

Jiangsu Province in east China is a perfect example of the affluence and intoxicating landscape of China. Wuxi, one of its cities, tucked away in the Yangtze River Delta, is known worldwide as a major contributor to the province in terms of richness and charm. Covering an area of 4,650 square kms, the city has a population of 4.359 million, with 2.1306 million living in the downtown area. Under its jurisdiction are seven districts-Xishan, Huishan, Binhu, Chong’an, Nanchang, Beitang and New District, as well as two county-level cities—Jiangyin and Yixing. As a famous China city situated near Tai Lake, Wuxi has paid much attention on the harmony between nature and human society. Li Lake is the main area of present and future urban development in Wuxi. A series of projects for Li Lake treatment have been carried out since the beginning of this century and will establish a good environmental foundation for further sustainable development of Li Lake area. Presently, 20 km2 of concept planning area of Li Lake have been finished, including 48% of water surface, 8% of mountain, and 44% of land. The planning of places surrounding lake and beauty spots emphasizes in tour, vacation and entertainment. The New City of Li Lake under construction is the centre of Li Lake area, covering a planned space of 6 km2, which is involved in 5109 households and 14804 residences. To harmonies the development between human and nature of New City, the local government advocates for construction of eco-houses by proper usage of resources and avoiding the wastes, which indicates sustainable development of city civilization.

Comprehensive Treatment of Li lake's environment; Orderly pushing on the construction of the new town Li Lake area, not only the China's gateway of Tai Lake scenic spots but also a treasure site of Wuxi for being utilized scientifically and carved meticulously, is the starting point for Wuxi to speed up the course of the city's reconstruction with the slogan" Bautify the Tai Lake; Make up the landscape of Wuxi" and to prepare to remove the city centre to the south and build up a modern lakeside city.

(1)Scope of the area under planning
The Li Lake area under planning, with Suxi Road on its east , Shitang Bridge on its south, Zhongdu Hill on its west and Lianghu Road and West Tai Lake Boulevard on its north, covers a total area of 20 square km, including 40% of water, 44% of land and 8% of mountain areas. The Li Lake new town under construction is the centre of Li Lake area, with Tai Lake Boulevard W. as its north border, Li Lake as its south and west border, Li Lake Boulevard as its east border, covering a planned space of 6 square km. The planned Li Lake new town occupied parts of Liyuan Town, Huanhu Village, East Guxiang village and Xiajiabian Village, as well as the fields of Ludianqiao Village, Changfeng Village, Chenzhuang Village, Changqiao Village and Liyuan Village, which is involved in 5109 households and 14804 residences.

(2)Concept of Planning
To absorb world’s advanced cultural and planning concept to raise the level of planning for Li Lake area, the municipal government invited a famous American, one of the top ten listed in the world’s scenery, planning circle, to draw a first-class plan which mirrors the historical culture and local features of Wuxi with modern characteristics. The company has successfully designed the Olympic Village in Sydney, Disney Amusement Park in Hong Kong, Golden Rooster Lake in Suzhou, The World Trade Center in Beijing, etc. The project of Li Lake area embodies the concept of focusing on treatment of water environment and humanism. The 36-kilometer lake banks are linked the open public green lands to the creatively designed scenic spots, harmonizing natural ecological environment and urban scenery. The area will be planned into a tourist attraction for travelers from home and abroad and an outstanding lakeside new town composed of lakeside parks, residential quarters together with other public services and tourist facilities.

(3) Principle of reconstruction Our fundamental principle is: First, to treat the water environment of Li Lake, make up the lake side scenery, pave the roads, and build peasants’ residences to settle down the peasants of this area. Secondly, to develop this plot of land, the fund for reconstruction will be collected in various ways. The first-class environment and infrastructure will raise the value of this area and attract foreign investment in building the new town. http://www.lihu.gov.cn/lihuweb/english/English/Index.aspx

Wuxi New District

Wuxi New District (WND) locates between the Yangtze River and Tai lake, the third largest fresh water lake in China, about 80 miles west of Shanghai. Since the foundation in 1992, WND has evolved to be one of the major industrial parks in the Yangtze River Delta. Microelectronic, precision machinery and fine chemical have taken shape as leading industries in WND. Related service/supporting industry is also emerging rapidly in the park. Our company roster enlarges every month. In 2003, totally USD1.01 billion investment arrived WND. These investors range from firms with as few as 10 people to Fortune 500 companies whose workshop cover 700ha.


In WND, they find equal chances to survive and grow. WND is owned and managed by the New District Administrative Committee of Wuxi People's Municipal Government, second largest city in Jiangsu Province. Ever since the foundation of WND, to crate the most ideal investment climate in the country is always on the top of our working list. We have achieved our goal and will remain as dedicated to it as what we did. In short, WND will be the best investment partner for foreign investors in China, please contact us when you are considering China for your investment. http://www.wnd.gov.cn/en/