Evolution and Prospect of China's Regional Planning

Based on a thorough review, this paper firstly identifies three stages in the evolutional process of China's regional planning practice, and describes the various planning contents and characteristics in each stage. Following this, the paper further explores the current situation that some governmental sectors compete for the authorization in spatial planning, and analyzes the fundamental reasons behind. By identifying the great opportunities and bright prospects for regional planning in China, the paper puts forward a series of concrete suggestions for its development, with an emphasis on such issues as regulating the planning system, reforming the planning management organizations, constituting the planning regulations and laws, improving planning contents, enhancing spatial control, etc.