Master Planning for a Changing World
Greater Bay Area, China
How can we harmonize sustainability, connectivity and resilience in urban development? These elements are essential to shaping cities that thrive in the face of rapid change.
From marine economy hubs to smart city ecosystems, our master planning projects reflect a bold vision for integrated urban futures. Each initiative is rooted in strategic collaboration, data-driven design, and future-ready infrastructure — supporting regional growth, innovation, and livability across the Greater Bay Area and beyond.
Shekou International Ocean City Conceptual Master Plan
Marine economy hub | Belt and Road integration
The Shekou International Ocean City Conceptual Master Plan spans the southeastern part of Shenzhen’s Nanshan Peninsula — a strategic business zone within China’s Greater Bay Area. Positioned as a dynamic maritime economic hub, the area is part of the Qianhai-Shekou Free Trade Zone and plays a key role in advancing the Belt and Road Initiative.
In partnership with CMG and the Nanshan District Government, AECOM is leading the planning and design of Shekou’s marine city center and start-up areas. The study area covers approximately 26 square kilometers — evenly split between land and sea — and stretches east to Dongjiaotou, west to Chiwan Bay, north to Shekou Yanshan Road, and south to the Shenzhen–Hong Kong boundary.
Guided by new development goals, emerging marine industry trends, and Shekou’s unique coastal resources, the master plan is designed to attract high-end investment, strengthen regional growth, and establish Shekou as a strategic gateway along China’s Maritime Silk Road.
CR Land Shenzhen Bay Complex Development
Urban landmark | Commercial and cultural vitality
The CR Land Shenzhen Bay Complex Development Project is a landmark mixed-use development that brings together a diverse range of integrated functions. It features headquarters-grade offices, experiential retail, luxury hotels and serviced apartments, premium residences, and a rich array of cultural, artistic, and sports facilities. Designed as a vibrant urban destination, the project reflects a holistic approach to modern city living, work, and leisure.
Shenzhen CR Land Xili Transport Hub District Master Plan
Integrated transit and urban planning | TOD gateway landmark
Through a cross-disciplinary collaboration among AECOM’s Economics, Transportation, and Urbanism+Planning teams, an in-depth analysis and design study was undertaken for the 160-hectare Xili Transportation Hub in Shenzhen and its surrounding areas.
The project work includes: (i) market research, project positioning, development scale and product system preliminary work; (ii) internal and external transportation and comprehensive hub layout; (iii) and TOD model definition, space study and urban design.
The resulting conceptual urban design for Xili Transportation Hub introduces a bold new vision for western Shenzhen, featuring three integrated identities: a vertical city hub, an urban-industrial integration hub, and a sky garden hub. Together, these elements redefine the area as a dynamic gateway landmark and a model for future transit-oriented development.
Guangzhou CISCO Smart City Master Plan
Smart mobility hub | Sponge city resilience
AECOM proposed the “4R Community Integrated Development Model” for the Guangzhou CISCO Smart City Master Plan, seamlessly integrating smart city principles into the project’s Residence, Research, and Recreation zones, while embedding Resilience through a sponge city approach.
By reorganizing expansive public green spaces, the design introduces a sponge city cluster that merges ecological sustainability with cutting-edge technology. The integration of Cisco smart infrastructure brings intelligence into daily life, fostering a connected and adaptive urban environment.
At the heart of the development, AECOM envisions an Eco-Smart Valley — a vibrant platform for interactive information exchange among residents. The master plan also establishes a multi-modal transportation hub by linking the Metro Line, Guangzhou–Shenzhen Intercity Railway, and intercity bus stations, anchored by office and commercial developments to form a dynamic TOD central business core.
The connection of a monorail system with smart city resources further enhances mobility and embeds intelligence throughout the urban fabric, transforming Guangzhou’s landscape into a resilient, future-ready smart city.