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Over 40 global experts gather at CUHK’s Rural Revitalization Symposium 2025 to discuss urban-rural integration and the vision for the Northern Metropolis
The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is hosting the Rural Revitalization Symposium 2025 on 3-4 October 2025, jointly organised by CUHK’s School of Architecture, Tsinghua University’s School of Architecture and the Wu Zhi Qiao (Bridge to China) Charitable Foundation. The symposium brings together over 40 scholars and industry representatives from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, the United Kingdom, elsewhere in Europe, the United States and Southeast Asia, attracting more than 340 participants.
Under the theme “Contextualizing Urban-Rural Integration”, the symposium explores the challenges and opportunities of urban-rural integration (URI) in Hong Kong, focusing on practical strategies and directions. URI envisages a balanced and mutually beneficial relationship between urban and rural areas that fosters long-term sustainable development. For Hong Kong, as part of the Greater Bay Area, URI has emerged as a strategic priority. Rural regions such as the New Territories present valuable opportunities to reimagine development in ways that advance ecological conservation and community regeneration, alongside spatial innovation that promotes social equity and climate resilience.
The opening ceremony was honoured by the presence of numerous distinguished guests, including Ms Bernadette Linn, Secretary for Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China; Professor John Chai Yat-chiu, Chairman of the CUHK Council; Professor Dennis Lo Yuk-ming, Vice-Chancellor and President of CUHK; Professor Anthony Fung Ying-him, Dean of Social Science and Wei Lun Professor of Journalism and Communication, CUHK; Professor Zhang Yue, Party Secretary and Professor in the School of Architecture and Director of the Institute for Rural Construction at Tsinghua University; Professor Zhang Hong, Vice Dean of Institute for Rural Construction, Tsinghua University; Tenured Associate Professor, School of Architecture, Tsinghua University; and Professor Wong Kam-sing, Chairman of the Wu Zhi Qiao (Bridge to China) Charitable Foundation. The event also welcomed representatives from sponsoring organisations, members of the organising and scientific committees and various supporting institutions.
Ms Bernadette Linn delivered welcome remarks, saying: “We attach great importance to revitalising rural areas and fostering urban-rural integration in the development of Hong Kong’s Northern Metropolis. The theme of today’s symposium emphasises the interdependence of urban and rural communities and the importance of collaboration among government, rural communities, NGOs, academia, and business sectors. This network of collaborations is essential for promoting the integration of cities and villages in today’s environment.”
Professor Dennis Lo Yuk-ming said: “The Hong Kong 2030+: Towards a Planning Vision and Strategy Transcending 2030 sets the direction for future urban development. The Northern Metropolis will be a major highlight of Hong Kong’s long-term vision. To realise this, we must formulate effective urban-rural integration strategies and implement them through cross-sector collaboration. This symposium provides a vital platform for constructive dialogue among global scholars, industry leaders and public stakeholders to advance sustainable urban-rural development.”
In a video address, Professor Zhang Yue said: “The Wu Zhi Qiao, CUHK, Tsinghua University and numerous university students and community groups have long been committed to rural development. Their collective efforts have become a vibrant part of the rural landscape. Looking ahead, we hope to see more equitable and bidirectional flows of population, capital and technology between urban and rural areas in China, narrowing disparities and fostering shared prosperity.”
Professor Wong Kam-sing said: “Through this symposium, held in both urban and rural areas, we welcome guidance from various sectors and sincerely hope for continuous support for rural revitalisation, working together to bridge urban-rural sustainability.”
The programme featured keynote speeches, forums and round-table discussions across three key areas: Positioning, Policy & Planning, Design, Practice & Partnership and Culture, Heritage & Landscape, fostering exchange among global scholars, industry professionals and other stakeholders, promoting interdisciplinary dialogue and international collaboration to jointly build sustainable urban-rural development models. The venue also showcased an exhibition of international urban-rural integration excellence and research papers, highlighting practical case studies from various regions.
Professor Peter Ferretto, Director of the School of Architecture at CUHK noted that the symposium aligns with the Northern Metropolis initiatives outlined in the HKSAR Government’s 2025 Policy Address, emphasising its significant social relevance and public impact. He added that CUHK’s School of Architecture has long been dedicated to advancing urban-rural integration and sustainable development. He highlighted the encouragement for researchers and students to engage in interdisciplinary learning and practice through rural conservation and revitalisation efforts.
Professor Thomas Chung Wang-leung , Chair of the Symposium Organizing Committee, Professor in CUHK’s School of Architecture and Director of the Center for Urban-Rural Regeneration and Sustainable Place-making (SPUR), observed that the School of Architecture and SPUR integrate research, education and practice, functioning as a global hub for knowledge exchange and collaborative innovation. He further noted that this symposium strengthens their partnerships and leadership in promoting rural revitalisation and urban-rural integration, both regionally and internationally.
A handover ceremony at the end of the first day officially inaugurated Tsinghua University as the next host of the Rural Revitalization Symposium. The upcoming event, to be held in Ezhou City, Echeng District, Hubei Province, will further strengthen ongoing collaboration among institutions across regions. The remaining sessions will continue to deepen discussions on urban-rural integration, building consensus among policymakers, academics and practitioners to drive inclusive, sustainable development.
CUHK is hosting the Rural Revitalization Symposium 2025 to discuss urban-rural integration and the vision for the Northern Metropolis.
A group photo of the officiating guests, including (from left): Professor Ling Kar-kan, Interim Vice President (Campus Development and Facilities) and Director of Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University; Professor Stephen Tang Man-bun, Head, Countryside Conservation Office; Professor Wong Kam-sing, Chairman, Wu Zhi Qiao (Bridge to China) Charitable Foundation; Professor Thomas Chung, School of Architecture, Centre Director of SPUR, CUHK; Professor Dennis Lo Yuk-ming, Vice-Chancellor and President, CUHK; Ms Bernadette Linn, Secretary for Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Professor John Chai Yat-Chiu, Chairman of the CUHK Council; Professor Nelson Chan, Member of the CUHK Council and former Dean of the School of Architecture; Professor Anthony Fung Ying-him, Dean of Social Science and Wei Lun Professor of Journalism and Communication, CUHK; Professor Peter Ferretto, Director and Associate Professor, School of Architecture, CUHK; Professor Zhang Hong, Vice Dean of Institute for Rural Construction, Tsinghua University; Tenured Associate Professor,
School of Architecture, Tsinghua University; Professor Song Yehao, Professor, School of Architecture, Tsinghua University and Chair of Active House National Alliances Council.
Ms Bernadette Linn, Secretary for Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, delivers welcome remarks.
Professor Dennis Lo Yuk-ming, Vice-Chancellor and President of CUHK, gives a speech.
Professor Zhang Yue, Party Secretary and Professor in the School of Architecture and Director of the Institute for Rural Construction at Tsinghua University, delivers a speech via video.
Professor Wong Kam-sing, Chairman of the Wu Zhi Qiao (Bridge to China) Charitable Foundation, gives a speech.
The programme features keynote speeches, forums and round-table discussions, promoting interdisciplinary dialogue and international collaboration to jointly build sustainable urban-rural development models.
The venue also showcases an exhibition of international urban-rural integration excellence and research papers, highlighting practical case studies from CUHK, Tsinghua University, Wu Zhi Qiao (Bridge to China) Charitable Foundation and various regions.
Ms Bernadette Linn, Secretary for Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China; Professor John Chai Yat-chiu, Chairman of the CUHK Council; Professor Dennis Lo Yuk-ming, Vice-Chancellor and President of CUHK; Professor Anthony Fung Ying-him, Dean of Social Science and Wei Lun Professor of Journalism and Communication, CUHK; Professor Wong Kam-sing, Chairman of the Wu Zhi Qiao (Bridge to China) Charitable Foundation, and Professor Thomas Chung Wang-leung , Professor in CUHK’s School of Architecture and Director of the Center for Urban-Rural Regeneration and Sustainable Place-making (SPUR), visit the exhibition showcasing outstanding international works and research papers on urban–rural integration.
