Ms Xiaohui Chen, the ND of China, met with the other six ISOCARP members on May 23, 2017 in Nanjing. Martin Dubbeling, the ISOCARP VP, Sebastien Goethals, Aurobindo Ogra, Katharina Gugerell, Stefan Netsch joined the workshop on promotion of local identity with researchers from the Urbanisation Research Center of Jiangsu. The workshop was chaired by Ms Chen.

Ms Chen firstly gave the general introduction of the Strategic Planning of Urban and Rural Spatial Characteristics in Jiangsu Province. The Plan found out the characteristic resources of Jiangsu and recognized provincial spatial characteristics, constructed a structure system of provincial spatial characteristic, and furthermore formulated differentiated action guidelines.

All the participants from ISOCARP thought the plan exactly expressed the diversity of Jiangsu. Martin stressed that the Plan would be an excellent platform to exhibit local identity, particularly in the aspects of ecological characteristics, heritage characteristics, urban and rural landscape. Other ISOCARP members also discussed on ecological preservation, heritage protection, diversity development and plan implementation.