Abstract：Faced with the requirements of urbanization transformation and the new stage of urban development, urban
construction in Dongguan has shifted from high-speed development with industry priority to high-quality development
with quality priority. Urban design, as an important lever to improve the quality of urban space, is increasingly valued
in the pursuit of improving the level of refined management in urban construction. Dongguan has been exploring urban
design work since the 21st century, and in more than 20 years of practice, the status of urban design has gradually
improved. The work content has shifted from a forward-looking macro narrative to a comprehensive, refined, and
implementable planning and control, and the organizational form has shifted from government led to joint construction
under the demands of multiple stakeholders. This article reviews the process of urban design governance in Dongguan,
summarizes the experience of governance innovation, and puts forward suggestions for the future challenges of
Dongguan’s urban design transformation through summarization and reflection, to better play the role of urban design
governance, improve the quality of Dongguan’s city, enhance competitiveness and attractiveness, and enhance the
satisfaction and happiness of citizens.
