Data Insight 

Silent Synergy: China's Coordinated Approach to Urban Noise Pollution Management in Megacities

By 2025, China will host 10 megacities with populations exceeding 10 million, characterized by ongoing population growth. Noise pollution has become a key urban environmental concern, reflecting different public preferences: some favor vibrancy, while others seek tranquility, as seen in conflicts between square dancing enthusiasts and nearby residents. To address this, China has adopted a tiered noise regulation system across six functional zones, using automated monitoring, technological upgrades, and public complaint mechanisms to systematically improve noise management. Data shows that Shanghai and Beijing have maintained Level II (Good) daytime noise quality for the past decade, with average equivalent sound levels (Leq) remaining stable at 50 dB(A)—similar to normal conversational noise at 1 meter. As urbanization continues, balancing growth with environmental harmony remains a vital focus for sustainable development.