ABSTRACT
This chapter contributes to the burgeoning body of literature focused on critical engagement with urban change in China. It begins with a review of religious philosophies and cultural traditions relating to the development of Chinese gardens, and discusses the impact of the introduction of 'Western' style public parks alongside the emergence of modern urban planning and design. The chapter draws together writing focused on theorising nature and everyday life in order to offer critical insights into urban political, economic, social, and cultural change in Chinese cities. It seeks to 'unbounding' study of Chinese urbanism in order to develop a better theoretical and empirical understanding of the differences, similarities, connectivities, mobilities and relationalities within and between Chinese cities and those elsewhere in the world. The chapter traces how changing notions of nature and everyday life can be mapped onto housing development and associated urban social and spatial inequalities.
