Abstract: Based on our investigation of development and utilization of underground space in eight typical Chinese cities, including Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu, we demonstrated that China is currently undergoing rapid and efficient underground space development. However, problems such as lack of coordination, shallow depth and small scale of development, imperfect planning system and inadequate management system still pose challenges. Compared with the developmental trends in foreign developed cities, we propose that China should continue enhancing urban geological survey, improving underground space planning system, strengthening operational management system and improving information sharing in developing its urban underground space.

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