Development zones are vital to China’s economic growth. China is placing greater focus on how to create development zones that are not only economically beneficial but also environmentally sustainable. Carbon-neutral demonstration zones serve as vital tools for exploring effective transition models and developing best practices for China’s overall carbon-neutral transformation.

In this report, we propose a definition and planning methodology for carbon-neutral demonstration zones.  The key driver behind this type of demonstration should be a new economic path that promotes the zero-carbon transformation of local industrial innovation and reduces CO₂ emissions per unit of GDP. The zone should be established in a way that promotes green transformation at a larger scale beyond the zone itself. We also share best practices from the Meishan Carbon-Neutral Demonstration Zone project, providing reference practice for more development zones.