Urban development has become increasingly complex in recent times. This is not only because of the multiplicity of actors involved and the complexity of social developments, but it is also because the scope of the implications of urban area development has significantly enlarged: they often significantly transgress the area concerned and even the city itself. Higher demands are imposed on the process management. A large number of interested parties have or claim a say at different scale levels. With the increase of international competition between cities on an international stage, urban development processes also subject to the direct influence of events from far outside the region in question. The most complex situation, and one that is increasingly occurring in practice, arises in the case of public-private co-operation, where the division of roles is different in each and every situation. The content of urban area development focuses on creating spatial constellations wherein various functions (residential, working, etc.) can develop in harmony. These constellations must be coherent and integrated units. Social developments/issues are particularly influential on development projects, both where space is concerned as well as otherwise. Apart from the spatial aspect, attention must also be given to social, political, economic, ecological, and social-cultural aspects. The whole must be combined in such way that the result has sufficient spatial and market quality. This paper highlights the most important essence of Dutch theoretical debate and practical experience on urban area development and the implications for Chinese practice.