Fringe Belt Phenomenon in Chinese metropolis: A Case Study of Guangzhou

Abstract

Fringe belts are preserved zones formed fromthe former marginal area embedded in the city centre during the process of urban development, which has historical and cultural value, ecological value and recreational value. Guangzhou is the central city in South China with dense river system. In modern era, the ancient city wall was demolished and roads were built on the wall base. The Pearl River waterway and the demolished city walls had a persistent influence on the formation and layout of the fringe belts, which made the formation and evolution course of Guangzhou fringe belts different from other cities. The article divides the formation and transformation period of the fringe belts, analyses the morphological characteristics and evolution mechanism of fringe belts in these stages, and interprets the urbanization and reorganization process of Guangzhou on a new level.