Poor industrial planning and inadequate pollution management in the past have made land contamination a serious issue in China. Rapid urbanization in recent years has resulted in the need to redevelop industrial land once occupied — and contaminated — by old industries, which have helped bring the issue of the remediation and redevelopment of contaminated lands (often referred to as brownfields) to the forefront. Brownfields pose two problems: an environmental and public health risk and an obstacle to urban and local economy development as they remain unused. Both the Chinese national government and the local governments in some Chinese cities have begun to take action to control land contamination, mainly emphasizing the remediation of polluted lands for the purpose of urban development. The actions taken to date in some cities, such as Beijing and Chongqing, demonstrate the viability of such programs.

This report provides an overview of the current situation of brownfield management in China in order to help raise awareness of land contamination and help develop remediation activities. It reviews the institutional arrangements and stakeholders of brownfield site management in the country, examines the weaknesses and challenges of the current systems, and offers some suggestions and recommendations.