NANSHA
GUANGZHOU, GUANGDONG
China
Nansha is a national-level new area and a key pilot free trade zone in Guangdong Province, it serves as a crucial strategic hub for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) initiative. Developed under the “Overall Plan for Nansha of Guangzhou,” it aims to become a core centre for scientific innovation, advanced manufacturing, financial services, and maritime economy, serving as a gateway for international cooperation.
Located in the southernmost part of Guangzhou at the mouth of the Pearl River, Nansha covers approximately 803 km², including critical land and water areas. As one of China’s three major pilot free trade zones in Guangdong, Nansha integrates high-end industries, modern logistics, and ecological preservation. Its development strategy focuses on creating an Eco-City and a Smart City demonstration zone, pioneering a new model for sustainable, large-scale urban development in China.
Future Cities criteria compliance
Environmental & Nature
It is committed to ecological conservation, and recognized as a “Global Most Liveable Urban Area.” The development enforces a comprehensive green, energy-efficient, and low-carbon operating model. Nansha’s strong focus on sustainability also earned it recognition on the “Cities With Nature” platform, highlighting its achievements in ecological preservation, resource efficiency, and climate-resilient urban planning.
Smart City
Nansha builds its interconnected digital foundation using 5G, AI, Big Data, and IoT for municipal management. Key features include a 3D digital twin for urban planning and disaster prediction, 5G-enabled smart transportation, and the development of an intelligent, high-tech economy.
Human-Centric
Urban planning prioritizes a high-quality, human-scale living environment centred on work-life integration to attract talent, especially youth. The design integrates local Cantonese architectural styles and focuses on developing a youth-oriented city with specialized resources for GBA entrepreneurs and job seekers.
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