What does it look like when a city is designed for people, not profits? At Shanghai’s Urban Planning Museum, we explore how a megacity of 25 million people has transformed polluted industrial areas into vibrant public spaces, expanded green spaces and ecological reserves, and developed “15-minute communities” where residents can access schools, grocery stores, healthcare, and public transportation within walking distance. Shanghai offers a powerful example of what long-term urban planning and investment in public infrastructure can accomplish when people’s needs are prioritized over unchecked urban sprawl. China is not our enemy. We have so much to learn from each other.

What does it look like when cities invest in people? In Shanghai, a once-polluted neighborhood has been transformed into a community filled with green spaces, housing, public transportation, and accessible services.From restored waterways and nature reserves to high-speed rail and neighborhood health centers, this community offers a glimpse of what people-centered urban development can look like. “This is what development looks like. This is when you take your resources and you apply it to the people.” China is not our enemy. We have a lot to learn from each other.

What if we spent more money on parks and communities instead of war? At Fuxing Park in Shanghai, we met Carrie from St. Louis, Missouri, who was amazed by the vibrant public spaces, the sense of safety, and the kindness of people she encountered in China. Despite warnings from friends and family before her trip, her experience has been completely different from what she expected. Imagine what we could build in the United States if our tax dollars went toward creating safe, welcoming spaces for everyone instead of funding endless wars. Make parks, not war! China is not our enemy!