Present state, problems and development trends of urban underground space in China

The status, problems and trends of China's underground space development are presented in this paper. In association with the features of use of China's underground space, such as the large scale, rapid development, high speed subway, various forms are summarized. Five problems in the use of underground space in China are put forward, including the uncoordinated solutions, unintegrated management system, incomplete regulations, incomplete planning, and unclear policy. Four use trends of underground space are also presented, together with (1) the integrated planning, construction and management relating to the development of underground space in central business district (CBD) of Beijing, after World Expo in Shanghai and the business district in south Ningbo; (2) introducing the urban underground complex with an integrated transport hub as its center relating to the cases of Hongqiao Transport Hub and Beijing South Railway Station; (3) the development of underground subway, road and logistic system; (4) the scientific utilization of underground water storage space and aeration of “sponge city”. In this study, some institutional perspective on the use of underground space is also given.