- Xiangtan is an old industrial city undergoing rapid urbanization and industrial transformation that is committed to achieving carbon emission peaking by 2028. Watch how its mobility infrastructure will be transformed to support this target.
- Fully aligned with ADB’s Strategy 2030, the Xiangtan Low-Carbon Transformation Sector Development Program promotes integrated solutions, multisector approaches, smart digital technologies, private sector participation, and innovative features.
- Xiangtan aims to become a role model for other cities in the PRC in pursuit of a more inclusive, sustainable, and climate-resilient future. Here’s how Xiangtan is paving the way to sustainable urban mobility.
Supported by ADB, the Xiangtan Low-Carbon Transformation Sector Development Program (XSDP) is promoting low-carbon transformation of a municipality in the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
The XSDP comprises two loans—$150 million project loan to invest in priority infrastructure, and a $50 million policy-based loan to support policy reforms to enable the Xiangtan municipal government to shift to low-carbon and smart city development.
The project loan will integrate transport, building, energy, and climate resilience, complemented by information and knowledge systems. The policy reforms will create an environment and incentives for low-carbon approaches.
This video presents how Xiangtan’s urban infrastructure will be transformed to ensure seamless access to public transport systems that are safe and accessible to all, including children, elderly people, and persons with disabilities.
Transcript
Xiangtan is improving its transport system to prioritize people and cut emissions as part of its low-carbon transformation.
By improving biking and walking infrastructure, public transport, and bringing nature back into the city, cars will no longer rule the streets.
Xiangtan is a city in Hunan province, located in the south-central part of the People’s Republic of China.
Home to 2.88 million people, it’s no small suburb.
Like many Chinese cities, Xiangtan has experienced rapid growth and urbanization, creating challenges with congestion and pollution.
As the increasing number of cars struggle to compete for space in the streets, pedestrians and cyclists have to deal with the consequences.
Soon though, changes are coming.
Public transport is being renovated, with improvements to bus stops and greater priority given to buses on the road through dedicated lanes and intelligent traffic light systems that prioritize bus transport and people.
Bike lanes and walkways will be made safer for pedestrians and cyclists throughout the city, with dedicated and protected bike lanes, extended curbs, elevated crossings, as well as clear and colorful road markings and signs.
The train station is also being improved by focusing more on people, with better connections to buses and more space for cyclists and pedestrian access.
This will help people move easily between cities and within Xiangtan without their car.
Nature will play an important role in the transformation with vegetation as part of “nature-based solutions” for climate change resiliency.
This will help to reduce flooding, cool the streets during the hot summers, improve water filtration, and generally make the streets a place to enjoy for residents.
Could Xiangtan’s pioneering approach pave the way for more low-carbon Chinese cities?
