Urban redevelopment as multi-scalar planning and contestation: The case of Enning Road project in Guangzhou, China

Urban redevelopment has emerged as a key topic in recent research into China’s urban political economy. Drawing on relevant debates at the urban community/neighbourhood level, this research presents a case study in which multi-scalar planning processes and social contestation have both played their parts in shaping an urban redevelopment project. The Enning Road Project in Guangzhou, known for its controversial plan-making process and rich heritage assets, has been chosen for this study. Based on detailed analysis of qualitative data, the multi-level planning frameworks and social reaction of various actors from and beyond the locality have been examined to reveal the scalar politics entailed by this project. To deepen the discussion, further thoughts are provided in the concluding section.