Core Insights - Johannesburg is set to host the G20 summit in November 2025, marking the first time an African nation will lead this event, enhancing its global city status [1] - The 2024/25 Integrated Development Plan (IDP) outlines 11 strategic priorities aimed at transforming Johannesburg into a world-class African city by 2040 [1][3] Strategic Priorities - **Fiscal Sustainability**: Ensuring long-term financial stability to provide essential services and fund key initiatives [3][5] - **Sustainable Energy Structure**: Diversifying energy sources and investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies [6] - **Infrastructure Development and Renewal**: Addressing spatial imbalances and enhancing urban planning to improve living conditions [7] - **Sustainable Service Provision**: Aiming for high-quality services for all residents while addressing challenges in infrastructure and resource management [8] - **Good Governance**: Fostering effective administration, accountability, and citizen participation in governance [9] - **Job Creation**: Establishing urban development zones and public works programs to combat unemployment [11] - **Safety in the City**: Enhancing security measures to protect citizens from crime and natural disasters [12] - **Active Citizenship**: Encouraging citizen involvement in urban planning and decision-making processes [13] - **Economic Growth**: Focusing on targeted interventions to address unemployment, poverty, and inequality [14] - **Green Economy**: Implementing environmental policies to balance development needs with ecological preservation [15] - **Smart City Initiatives**: Utilizing technology to improve urban services, governance, and overall city resilience [16][17] Recommendations for Chinese Cities - Strengthening stakeholder participation in urban planning processes to enhance collaborative efforts [18] - Developing international relations planning to boost regional and global leadership roles [19] - Increasing cooperation with global southern cities in development planning to foster sustainable urban growth [21][22]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of urban planning in achieving the goal of building a world-class socialist modern international metropolis, focusing on optimizing spatial layouts and enhancing the city's core functions [1][2]. Group 1: Urban Planning and Development - Urban planning plays a crucial role in guiding city development, and there is a strong emphasis on implementing the overall land spatial planning strictly [1]. - The city aims to enhance its core functions while promoting the rapid development of key areas, integrating production, culture, and urban life [2]. - The planning strategy includes a focus on protecting natural resources, particularly the West Lake and Xixi Wetland, to create a harmonious living environment [2]. Group 2: Resource Allocation and Innovation - Continuous reform and innovation are necessary to improve resource allocation and support capabilities, particularly in the context of new productive forces [2]. - The city plans to deepen industrial land reforms and promote the efficient use of land through redevelopment and modernization of old neighborhoods [2]. - There is a focus on ensuring a stable and healthy real estate market by optimizing land supply and timing [2].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the approval and implications of Xi'an's Land Spatial Overall Plan (2021-2035), emphasizing sustainable development and the integration of historical and cultural preservation with modern urban planning [1]. Group 1: Harmonious Coexistence - The plan emphasizes the integration of natural and cultural elements, reflecting Xi'an's historical significance and geographical features [2]. - The proposed overall framework includes "one screen, one belt, eight waters, seven fields, two hearts, and six pieces," aiming to balance historical preservation with modern urban development [2]. - The design principles of "harmony yet difference" and "singing in harmony" are highlighted as essential for maintaining uniqueness while fostering collaboration [2]. Group 2: Cultural Heritage Preservation - Xi'an's unique identity as a "thousand-year ancient capital" is underscored, with a focus on integrating natural landscapes into cultural heritage protection [3]. - The plan aims to create a systematic approach to cultural heritage preservation, emphasizing continuity, constraint, and dynamism [4]. - It includes the establishment of cultural protection lines and the incorporation of newly discovered historical sites into the protection framework [4]. Group 3: Multi-level Protection Strategies - The plan promotes the integration of cultural heritage into modern urban life, ensuring the preservation of significant historical sites and their surrounding environments [5]. - It emphasizes the importance of urban axes in guiding development and preserving historical order, including cultural heritage displays along these axes [5]. - The vision includes Xi'an as a key international gateway city and a representative of Chinese civilization, aiming for a balance between cultural heritage and modern urbanization [5].