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China's 'Ghost Cities': From Empty Visions to Emerging Realities
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Published in House and Home on Monday, December 29th 2025 at 0:49 GMT by The Financial Times- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
From Empty Visions to Emerging Realities: How China’s “Ghost Cities” Are Finding Life
For years, images of sprawling, eerily empty urban developments in China – dubbed "ghost cities" by international media – have symbolized a cautionary tale of unchecked ambition, unsustainable growth, and potential economic collapse. Places like Ordos Kangbashi and Zhongshan were presented as evidence of a property bubble poised to burst and a system prone to colossal miscalculations. However, a new Financial Times article reveals a more nuanced reality: these once-desolate landscapes are slowly but steadily evolving into vibrant, if somewhat unconventional, urban hubs.
The FT’s report, based on extensive research and interviews with residents and developers, challenges the simplistic narrative of failure surrounding these projects. While the initial projections for population influx were wildly inaccurate – Ordos Kangbashi, for example, was intended to house a million people but remained largely vacant for years – abandonment hasn't been permanent. Instead, a process of adaptation and repurposing is underway.
The Origins of the "Ghost City" Phenomenon:
To understand this transformation, it’s crucial to revisit how these cities came into being. The rapid economic growth China experienced in the decades following its opening up led to ambitious development plans, often driven by local governments eager to demonstrate progress and attract investment. The property sector became a key engine of that growth, with land sales providing significant revenue for municipalities. This created incentives to build aggressively, sometimes exceeding actual demand. The 2008 global financial crisis exacerbated the situation, as slowing economic activity further dampened housing demand in these planned cities. [1]
Ordos Kangbashi, built in Inner Mongolia, is perhaps the most iconic example of this phenomenon. Its vast scale – boasting a stunning opera house and numerous high-rise buildings – seemed ludicrously oversized given the sparse population of Ordos itself. Zhongshan, located near Guangzhou in Guangdong province, similarly faced criticism for its sprawling industrial parks and residential areas that remained largely unoccupied. [2] The initial lack of jobs, inadequate infrastructure connecting these cities to established economic centers, and a general reluctance among people to relocate contributed significantly to their emptiness.
A Shift in Strategy: Repurposing and Adaptation:
The FT article highlights how the Chinese government has shifted its approach. Recognizing that simply abandoning these developments would represent an enormous financial loss (and a blow to national prestige), authorities have begun actively intervening to populate them. This intervention takes several forms.
Firstly, there’s been a concerted effort to attract businesses and residents through subsidies and incentives. Ordos, for instance, is now offering rent-free office space and subsidized housing to companies willing to relocate. Zhongshan has focused on attracting industries like advanced manufacturing and technology, creating jobs that might entice people to move. [3]
Secondly, the original plans are being revised. The rigid, master-planned nature of many of these developments proved inflexible in responding to changing needs. Developers are now encouraged to repurpose buildings – converting office spaces into apartments or transforming industrial parks into mixed-use areas catering to a wider range of activities. This flexibility is critical for attracting diverse populations and creating a sense of community.
Finally, improved infrastructure has played a significant role. High-speed rail links connecting these cities to major urban centers have made commuting more feasible, reducing the perceived isolation that previously deterred potential residents. [4]
The New Landscape: Not Perfect, But Progressing:
While the "ghost city" label is increasingly inaccurate, it’s important to note that these developments are not suddenly thriving metropolises. They still face challenges. Population densities remain relatively low compared to established urban areas. The pace of development can feel artificial and lacking in organic growth. There's also a lingering perception problem – the negative publicity surrounding their initial failures has been difficult to shake off.
However, anecdotal evidence from residents interviewed by the FT paints a picture of gradual improvement. Businesses are opening, schools are filling up, and families are moving into these areas. The once-silent streets now echo with activity, albeit on a smaller scale than initially envisioned. Kangbashi, for example, is seeing an increase in tourism drawn to its architectural landmarks, while Zhongshan’s industrial parks are attracting skilled workers seeking opportunities outside of Guangzhou's crowded and expensive housing market.
Lessons Learned & Future Implications:
The evolution of China's "ghost cities" offers valuable lessons for urban planning and economic development worldwide. It demonstrates the dangers of top-down planning without sufficient consideration for market demand and local needs. It also highlights the importance of adaptability and flexibility in responding to changing circumstances. The Chinese government’s willingness to acknowledge past mistakes and actively intervene to rectify them is a testament to its pragmatism, even within a centrally controlled system.
The ongoing transformation of these cities suggests that even ambitious projects with early setbacks can be salvaged through strategic adjustments and persistent effort. While the "ghost city" narrative may have served as a potent warning sign about unsustainable growth, it’s now becoming clear that these developments represent something more complex: an evolving experiment in urban planning, adaptation, and the ongoing pursuit of economic progress within China's unique context.
References:
[1] Financial Times Article: "How China’s ‘ghost cities’ are evolving into vibrant hubs" (https://www.ft.com/content/e35fb98a-29fe-4078-9ff0-00c2978c2f2b) [2] CNN: "China's ghost cities: Are they a bubble about to burst?" (https://www.cnn.com/2015/03/16/business/china-ghost-cities/) - Provides background on the initial emergence of the “ghost city” phenomenon. [3] South China Morning Post: "Zhongshan’s ghost town problem? Officials offer incentives to lure businesses and residents" (https://www.scmp.com/economy/property/article/2098546/zhongshens-ghost-town-problem-officials-offer-incentives-lure) - Details specific incentive programs in Zhongshan. [4] The Guardian: "China's ghost cities: are they a sign of economic doom?" (https://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/mar/18/chinas-ghost-cities-are-they-a-sign-of-economic-doom) - Discusses the role of infrastructure in revitalizing these areas.
Let me know if you'd like any specific aspects elaborated on or adjusted!
Read the Full The Financial Times Article at:
[ https://www.ft.com/content/e35fb98a-29fe-4078-9ff0-00c2978c2f2b ]
