Chongqing, a megacity in southwest China, is demonstrating innovative approaches in smart urban development that attract global attention. The 2025 World Cities Day China Observance, held from Monday to Thursday, highlights how technology can drive people-centered city planning. Moreover, approximately 1,200 participants, including international policymakers and experts, are attending the event.
The city’s population exceeds 30 million, making it a prime example of large-scale urban management. Through digital technologies, Chongqing has improved housing, governance, public services, and infrastructure. Additionally, UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacláudia Rossbach emphasized in her video address that the city provides valuable lessons for other megacities. She noted that these innovations reflect the principles of smart urban development.
Furthermore, Chongqing’s intelligent water ecology sensing network integrates aerial, satellite, and ground-based monitoring systems. Consequently, this system allows real-time observation of urban water resources. Kazuko Ishigaki, regional representative for UN-Habitat Asia and the Pacific, praised the network’s capacity to support sustainable urban planning.
The city has also applied digital and AI technologies to manage transportation and logistics. For example, Aleksandr Vladimirovich Shchekovich, from Minsk, Belarus, highlighted Chongqing’s efficient transit system. He noted that trains pass through residential buildings, and roads and bridges navigate mountains and rivers effectively. As a result, such infrastructure improvements enhance residents’ quality of life.
According to China’s Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, the national urbanization rate increased from 53.1 percent in 2012 to 67 percent in 2024. Accordingly, Chongqing represents this growth with innovative city planning that focuses on people-centered approaches.
International participants recognize the potential of smart urban development. For instance, Torsak Chotimongkol, advisor to the Governor of Bangkok, mentioned plans to establish a forum in Bangkok to study Chongqing’s model. Similarly, Vuyo Mhlakaza-Manamela from South Africa emphasized collaboration among cities to achieve sustainable, safe, and inclusive urban ecosystems.
Through technology-driven, people-focused strategies, Chongqing demonstrates that smart urban development can combine efficiency with social well-being. Therefore, experts expect that lessons from Chongqing will guide other cities worldwide in sustainable growth and planning.
In conclusion, smart urban development is now central to global discussions on city modernization, offering practical models for integrating technology, governance, and social infrastructure.
