Urban green space management in ancient Chinese capitals

Case studies of Chang’an, Lin’an and Beijing

Abstract

Urban green spaces are crucial for the sustainable development of cities, not only in terms of planning and construction, but also in terms of management frameworks. This exists not only in modern cities, but also in ancient cities, especially in ancient Chinese capitals with high density. However, existing research on green spaces in ancient Chinese cities focuses predominantly on their spatial distribution and morphology as results of planning and construction, while neglecting the underlying and ongoing process of management. This research adopts an integrative case study methodology, selecting three representative high- density ancient Chinese capitals: Chang’an in the Tang Dynasty (618-907), Lin’an in the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), and Beijing in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). It systematically examines their green space management, including developmental contexts, institutional frameworks, focal objects, leading forces, and management effectiveness. Through comprehensive analysis and comparison, it is revealed that while ancient Chinese capitals consistently prioritised and institutionalised urban green space management, their distinct historical contexts shaped specific focuses within management practices. Moreover, the nature of administrative agencies and the degree of public participation significantly influenced the long-term efficacy of urban green space management.