This book presents an in-depth study on and summary of the current practice and theories for the construction of eco-cities in China in the context of the country's rapid urbanization. It argues that by 2020, 60% of China's population will live in cities. And the evolution from "green cities" to "eco- cities", and subsequently to "smart cities" is crucial to China's sustainable development. The book presents a feasible and objective quantitative evaluation system for the sustainable and healthy development of eco-cities. It summarizes the Chinese experience in building eco- cities as the coordinated development of economy, society, resources and environment, with the goal being "to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable". This is essential to achieving a number of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. In addition, the book defines the current stage of development Chinese cities have reached in terms of ecological construction, and offers guidance on selecting suitable urban ecological construction modes and improvement approaches. It provides a valuable reference source and guidebook for research on and the practice of eco-city construction. Accordingly, it will help other countries around the world, especially the developing countries, to benefit from China's successful experience.

Contemporary China, in an era of globalization and in the midst of transition, now faces both great opportunities and unprecedented challenges. People are more and more becoming "economic man," "technological man" and "one-dimensional man," and are increasingly losing the virtue, dignity and beauty of human nature. When humanity's habitat grows smaller and smaller as economic, technological, informational and social interaction become more and more intense, while conflicts of interest and clashing values are growing increasingly heated, how should different religions, national groups and states deal with each other? As environmental pollution worsens, our ecosystem becomes increasingly unstable and population growth becomes an unbearable burden, where shall we look for a homeland where we can rest our weary minds? ... To answer these daunting questions and address their attendant challenges, all human activities, including institutional arrangements, economic constructions, and science and the arts, must all start from the change of humankind, re-think the true nature of humankind and its needs, and consider the prospect of humankind evolving into a "better humankind." This book is an exploration of such inquires.

Contemporary China, in an era of globalization and in the midst of transition, now faces both great opportunities and unprecedented challenges. People are more and more becoming "economic man," "technological man" and "one-dimensional man," and are increasingly losing the virtue, dignity and beauty of human nature. When humanity's habitat grows smaller and smaller as economic, technological, informational and social interaction become more and more intense, while conflicts of interest and clashing values are growing increasingly heated, how should different religions, national groups and states deal with each other? As environmental pollution worsens, our ecosystem becomes increasingly unstable and population growth becomes an unbearable burden, where shall we look for a homeland where we can rest our weary minds? ... To answer these daunting questions and address their attendant challenges, all human activities, including institutional arrangements, economic constructions, and science and the arts, must all start from the change of humankind, re-think the true nature of humankind and its needs, and consider the prospect of humankind evolving into a "better humankind." This book is an exploration of such inquires.