Page 172 - JCAU-7-3

Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Urban orientalism and informal urbanization

unlicensed street vending, unapproved construction, and Wu, 2019). The figure emphasizes the spatial distribution
the establishment of informal dwellings. According to Roy of migrant enclaves and informal communities, where
(2009b), informality frequently arises from economic and residents often face inadequate access to essential
social disparities, as well as deficiencies in formal urban infrastructure, exacerbating social marginalization (Wu
planning and governance institutions. Urban orientalism, & Webster, 2020a). Consequently, Figure 4 serves as a
a concept introduced by Said, describes the tendency valuable lens for examining how orientalism intersects with
of Western observers to idealize and romanticize cities the spatial realities of informal urbanization, influencing
in non-Western regions. This process entails crafting policies, urban governance, and social equity in Jinan.
traditional narratives and imagery of the “East,” defined by In summary, the interplay between informal
notions of distinction, allure, and exotic appeal (Ludden, urbanization and urban orientalism in Jinan creates a
2012b). Urban orientalism influences the social dynamics, multifaceted and diverse urban development landscape.
growth strategies, and urban planning practices of cities This research aims to improve our understanding of
outside the Western world. It also shapes how these cities the sociospatial dynamics in modern Chinese cities
are perceived globally (Roy, 2009a). by critically analyzing how orientalist narratives shape

The intricate relationship between urban orientalism attitudes, policies, and practices concerning informal
and informal urbanization in Jinan showcases the urbanization. Furthermore, the study aims to promote
complex social and spatial dynamics influencing the social justice and cultural diversity in urban settings by
city’s development. Jinan’s historical landmarks, including challenging orientalist prejudices and advocating for more
Daming Lake and Baotu Spring, contribute to an inclusive and equitable urban design approaches.
orientalist narrative that portrays the city as an emblem 5.2. The spread of informal settlements and urban
of ancient Chinese culture and mystique (Zhao, 2008). changes in Jinan
Such depictions attract tourism and global investments
(Wang & Zheng, 2016), reinforcing an image of Jinan as The expansion of informal settlements and urban
exotic and unchanging. However, these perspectives often transformation in Jinan, Shandong province, China,
obscure the city’s modern developments, marginalizing its between 2015 and 2020, with projections extending
dynamic and evolving urban environment (Zhao, 2018). to 2025, underscores the ongoing interplay of social,
economic, and policy-driven factors shaping the city’s
Figure 4 visually illustrates these contrasts, focusing urban landscape. This period has witnessed a notable
on informal urban areas that have emerged due to rapid rise in informal communities, often referred to as “urban
population shifts and economic growth pressures. villages” and “migrant enclaves,” particularly on the city’s
These areas, often located on the city’s outskirts, present periphery. These settlements have proliferated as a result of
significant challenges for urban planning. Authorities must Jinan’s rapid urbanization, combined with rural-to-urban
address issues related to public safety and property rights migration and insufficient affordable housing options for
while balancing competing development interests (Li & low-income residents.
Figure 5 visualizes this trend by illustrating the spatial
growth of these informal areas and their associated
challenges. The figure provides insights into the gaps
left by formal urban planning, revealing that these
settlements often lack essential infrastructure and basic
services, thereby exacerbating issues related to public
health, sanitation, and social inclusion. The analysis of
these informal settlements underscores the limitations of
conventional urban planning in addressing the complex
and evolving housing needs of Jinan’s growing population.
This aligns with the study’s aim to examine urban
transformations by orientalism and how marginalized
urban populations navigate these shifts.

Jinan’s urban development has experienced substantial
growth in infrastructure and modernization, including
Figure 4. Urban orientalism and informality in Jinan, Shandong province, the construction of extensive transportation networks,
China. Source: Illustration by the authors (created using Designer software) new residential zones, and commercial amenities. These

Volume 7 Issue 3 (2025) 7 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.3517