Practice of Environmental Planning and Landscape Design of Xiangshan Eco-Town in Beijing Low Mountain Area

Xiangshan Eco-Town, located in Beijing low mountain area, is facing significant challenges for boosting tourism and economic development and protecting the fragile eco-environment. This design highlights the sustainable development strategy that gives priority to the ecology, green economy and win-win cultural cooperation. It takes low mountain area as a living system, provides regional environmental guidelines, for the long-term benefits of regional water resources management, forest and habitat restoration, and promotes green economy and green tourism. The design process is highly integrated with the existing condition, and programming. The restoration is based on protection. Vernacular material and handicraft such as vitex weave, are adopted in the landscape design creatively; engagement of local residents is highly encouraged, to build people-friendly, pleasant and humane eco town with its unique cultural identity in the low mountain areas.