A public consultation on the Guidelines for Planning & Construction of International Neighborhoods in Guangzhou is held in Guangzhou. [Photo/South]

Guangzhou has held a public consultation to solicit views on newly drafted guidelines for the development of "international neighborhoods", as the southern Chinese city seeks to advance its urban planning in line with the growing needs of foreign residents.

The meeting, held on Nov 24 and organized by the Guangzhou Urban Planning & Design Survey Research Institute under the guidance of the city's foreign affairs office, brought together more than 20 participants. They included foreign residents, industry specialists, international students, and multilingual community volunteers, who offered suggestions ranging from day-to-day convenience to cultural integration and public service accessibility.

"International neighborhoods" are urban public spaces designed to meet global standards. They serve as community hubs where people of different nationalities live, work, socialize, and spend leisure time within a defined geographic area.

Guangzhou launched 12 pilot international neighborhoods in 2022, aiming to better serve global talent and strengthen international connectivity. Since early 2024, officials have conducted research to develop planning and construction guidelines for such neighborhoods, focusing on aligning urban standards with the needs of both Chinese and foreign communities — particularly in areas such as public facilities, business environment, and cultural exchange.

During the session, participants advised on improving information transparency, international-friendly public services, and talent support mechanisms. The discussion concluded with broad agreement on the goal of building "international neighborhoods with Guangzhou characteristics".

City planners say the next stage of international neighborhood development will focus on raising internationalization standards, encouraging deeper integration between local and international communities, and better linking urban planning with industrial development.