Jinji Lake Central Business District, . 93 city focus June 2014 June 2014 • •

ISSUE 5 ISSUE 5 Suzhou,

01 ayor Zhou Naixiang explains the innovation and transformation M of Suzhou over the years. Suzhou, located right at the centre of the Delta and south of province, is known for its many scenic water bodies. The city of more than 10 million citizens is also praised for its beautiful gardens and efforts in preserving its ancient cultural heritage. Meanwhile, Suzhou continues to advance with innovative technologies and strategies that promote rural and urban integration, talent cultivation and sustainable development. Suzhou was conferred the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize in 2014. 95 city focus

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Suzhou, a renowned cultural vitality, thanks to its development 01 Pingjiang Historic District city in China with a history of principles of innovation and preserves Suzhou’s ancient cityscape. over 2,500 years, has witnessed transformation. Besides taking 02 Residents enjoying sustained development throughout advantage of the various opportunities the promenade along the ages. The city has long been history has presented it, Suzhou the city’s restored reputed in China as “paradise on has been closely following a Stone Lake. earth”, with its well-developed people-oriented approach and agriculture, prosperous economy, the guidance of urban planning. regional culture and scenic beauty. The city is dedicated to sustainable In the past three decades, Suzhou development so as to strike has enjoyed rapid socio-economic a balance among the people, developments and evolved to be between man and nature, as well one of the most innovative cities as between residents and the city. June 2014 • in China with strong economic ISSUE 5 01 97 city focus

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Strenuous efforts have been made of “repair the old, retain the old, 01 Recreational fishing in the industrial optimisation in workable steps”, Suzhou has at . and upgrading of Suzhou. The well preserved the original layout 02 Amenities are conveniently clustered at city boasts 12 national economic of the ancient city, bearing in the well-planned Suzhou development zones; by facilitating mind its historical and cultural Industrial Park. the establishment of featured value, and promoted its protection industrial parks, innovation and restoration in an orderly parks and demonstration manner. The renewed Pingjiang zones for intellectual property Historic District still maintains the rights protection, Suzhou has traditional urban layout of “water tremendously enhanced the added and land in parallel, river and value and level of technology in street in neighbour” and the local its economy. And such industrial architectural style of “small bridge, parks and demonstration zones are flowing water, whitewashed walls actually transformed into multi- and black tiles”. Being a miniature functional new urban districts. of “life in Suzhou style”, the district (SIP) is received the Honourable Mention one of the best examples. High- Prize of the UNESCO Asia-Pacific tech industries and modern service Heritage Awards for Cultural industries now play dominant Heritage Conservation in 2005. roles in the Park and the Central Business District Amidst its rapid urban development, construction makes SIP the Suzhou has always attached great undisputed, revitalised “paradise on significance to the protection and earth” for both living and working. optimisation of landscape, ambient air and the ecological environment Suzhou has also been approved in order to create a high-quality by the Ministry of Housing and living environment. In Suzhou, Urban-Rural Development as the there are green “wedges” on four exclusive demonstration area for corners, namely the Sanjiaozui June 2014 • the protection of a historical and area in the northwest, the Stone cultural city in China. For a long Lake and Shangfang Mountain in time, by observing the principles the southwest, Dushu Lake in the ISSUE 5 Mr Zhou Naixiang, 53, graduated from the Institute of Construction Engineering 01 and the Wharton Business School, University of 01 The city’s new southeast and Yangcheng Lake Pennsylvania. Previously, metro system, in the northeast of the city. The he was the Director- Suzhou Rail Transit. Stone Lake Scenic Project is now a General of Jiangsu citizens’ favourite, after a series of Provincial Tourism Bureau in March 2008 and lakeside landscape construction that Party-Secretary of Jiangsu restored the lake and green land Provincial Housing and from farmlands and construction, Construction Department and improved water quality. in July 2010. Since he became mayor in March It is through innovation and 2012, Suzhou has transformation that Suzhou has accomplished remarkable managed to achieve great progress achievements. in economic development, cultural prosperity, environmental protection and social well-being. Hopefully these could provide some inspiration for other cities in the world seeking further urban development.

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