With regard to the built-environment that shapes the environment for everyday travel, Chinese city governments generally carry out carefully conceived spatial planning. Driven by the garden city idea, Chinese cities often plan multi-center spatial structures. The actual end product, however, varies depending on the local context.

Investment in roads alone cannot fuel continuous expansion in China. High-density cities are now ripe for rail transportation investment. Expansion of transportation systems and transit-oriented development also provide a potential solution for congestion problems. Yet there are still challenges to overcome.

Transporting passengers within expanding and high-density urban areas requires a multi-modal approach and transportation hubs that provide intermodal connectivity. Railway stations and airports are typical transportation hubs that not only provide inter-city connectivity, but also function as intra-city transfer hubs.

Inter-connection of transportation systems developed separately by neighboring municipalities is an emerging challenge in developed parts of China. As urban functions extend beyond the administrative boundary of a single municipality, demand for multi-jurisdictional transport services is increasing. The Guangzhou - Foshan case demonstrates the need for a multi-municipality framework for transport planning, investment and management.