Why were many older buildings demolished during rapid urban construction in China after the 1980s?

Following the implementation of China’s "opening up" economic policies in the 1980s, the country experienced an unprecedented period of prosperity and rapid modernization. This economic boom created an urgent demand for new office towers, hotels, shopping spaces, and urban housing, alongside the development of massive new roadway networks.1

To accommodate this rapid expansion and facilitate urban renewal, many older structures—particularly domestic urban housing—were demolished. This process often involved the displacement and relocation of tens of millions of residents. The scale of this construction was driven by a need to modernize provincial capitals and major cities, often following unified urban planning models that prioritized functionalist, high-rise development.12

While these efforts were central to China's economic growth, the rapid pace of demolition and construction drew criticism for potentially sacrificing tradition, beauty, and a sense of humanity in favor of characterless concrete or glass towers. In response to these concerns and the lessons learned from other industrial nations, Chinese architects and urban planners have increasingly shifted their focus toward historical preservation, the creation of public spaces, and the development of energy-efficient, "green" buildings.1