Online Social Media—A Vehicle for City Branding in China: The Case of Sponge City Program (SCP)

Dimple R. Thadani*, Lei Li, Faith Ka Shun Chan*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

The shift of academic attention from city marketing to city branding heralds a new era of representation and signification of cities as brands. Conscious practices of nationwide program implementation could be used not only for improving urban resilience but for city brands promotion. In China, to cope with the frequent occurrence of urban water issues, a nationwide initiative called Sponge City Program (SCP) has been launched since 2013. Given the significant impact of online social media on brand image, various levels of the Chinese Governments have begun to use online social media for city program promotion. In particular, brand community formed by stakeholders on online social media can significantly influence the brand image by co-creating contents. In this paper, we first analyze the current application of online social media for city marketing in China based on the SCP implementation. Next, we propose a framework/typology to inform how Chinese’ social media could be used for effective city branding. Finally, we conclude by discussing the implications of online social media use in China.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 2020 International Conference on Resource Sustainability
Subtitle of host publicationSustainable Urbanisation in the BRI Era (icRS Urbanisation 2020)
EditorsFaith Ka Shun Chan, Hing Kai Chan, Tiantian Zhang, Ming Xu
Place of PublicationSingapore
PublisherSpringer Singapore
Pages381–389
Number of pages19
ISBN (Electronic)9789811596056
ISBN (Print)9789811596049
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2 Dec 2020

Publication series

NameEnvironmental Science and Engineering
PublisherSpringer
ISSN (Print)1863-5520
ISSN (Electronic)1863-5539

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