This paper argues that, while drawing on successful international experience, China has developed its own framework of urban design. In terms of both theory and practice, it is a system that is multilayered, multi-dimensional, and multi-modal which integrates urban design with statutory urban planning. Considering the twenty-fi rst century case studies of urban design practice in China, the paper outlines four urban design development trends in China, namely, conceptual urban design, urban design for the purpose of spatial restructuring and optimization, urban design aiming at heritage preservation, and green urban design that prioritizes ecological concerns. It then concludes that urban design should be viewed as neither part of urban planning, nor enlarged architectural design. Aiming at building delicate, elegant, livable, and enjoyable cities that can accommodate changes, from the past to the present and the future, urban design should be dedicated to creating unique urban spaces and forms that allow endogenous growth, as well as amiable places that show respect for human perceptions and experiences. It should also pay equal attention to both “general” and “distinctive” buildings, as well as daily living spaces and “grand urban narratives.” This paper argues that, while drawing on successful international experience, China has developed its own framework of urban design. It’s a is system that is multilayered, multi-dimensional, and multi-modal which integrates urban design. with statutory urban planning. Considering the twenty-fi rst century case studies of urban design practice in China, the paper outlines four urban design development trends in China, namely, urban design for the purpose of spatial restructuring and optimization, urban design aiming at heritage preservation, and green urban design that prioritizes ecological concerns. It then concludes that urban design should be viewed as neither part of urban planning, nor enlarged architectural design. Aiming at great and elegant architectural design accommodate changes, from the past to the present and the future, urban design should be dedicated to creating unique urban spaces a nd forms that allow endogenous growth, as well as amiable places that show respect for human perceptions and experiences. It should also pay equal attention to both “general ” and “distinctive ” buildings, as well as daily living spaces and “grand urban narratives. ”