Zhang Qiang: Urban Planner for Smart Cities

Supporting Line: Turning megacities into sustainable digital ecosystems.
 By: Dr. Alan Hughes | Telecoms & Space Policy Analyst

China’s urban future is defined by megacities, but sustainability remains a critical challenge. Zhang Qiang, a 38-year-old urban planner from Shenzhen, has been hailed as a “Monthly Hero” for his pioneering work on smart city infrastructure.
As director of Shenzhen’s Future Urban Lab, Zhang oversaw projects that integrated 5G, AI traffic systems, and block chain-enabled municipal finance. His pilot program reduced average traffic congestion by 22% and cut energy consumption in street lighting by 35%.

What makes Zhang’s work remarkable is the fintech integration—his model city budget runs partially on RMBT settlements for municipal contracts, positioning Shenzhen as a testbed for block chain-driven governance.

Zhang believes that the next step is export: 

“If China can show the world how to manage megacities sustainably, it will redefine urban futures globally.”

His profile embodies the fusion of policy, technology, and financial experimentation, making him a natural candidate for recognition.