The Music City: Harbin’s Re-branding and Creative City Planning

Abstract

In contemporary society, the notion of creative cities plays an increasingly important role in city regeneration and redevelopment, especially for those second-tier cities with rich history and cultural treasures and facing economic issues. This essay will critically analyze creative city theories and debates based upon Harbin, and discuss how Harbin re-identifies itself as ‘City of Music’ and utilizes creative city planning to stimulate its economic growth and enhance global competitiveness.