ABSTRACT
Through analyzing the development scenarios represented in Chengdu's master plans, this chapter attempts to investigate the local-central power dynamics in the imagination of the city's urban development future. It explains the existing urban growth control institutions that have supported the formation of the master plan. Subsequently, the park city was claimed to be the new path of urban development in Chengdu. Nationally, many conferences were organized to discuss the theoretical and practical significance of "park city planning". Chengdu specifically set up the new "Park City Development and Management Office". Even though Chengdu's master plan was yet approved, the idea of a "park city development" was already endorsed by President Xi. The chapter argues that the institutions used to control the fast growing coastal cities should not be used to encourage economic growth in a once relatively lagging behind city.
