The Chinese government has recently launched a series of "eco-friendly" communities in a number of cities with the intention of promoting a more sustainable culture among the people. The communities feature green spaces, solar panels and other alternative energy sources and encourage inhabitants to develop sustainable habits.

Despite a reputation for badly polluted cities, "China is building more eco-cities designed to be low-carbon and energy-saving than any other country,” according to a survey by the University of Westminster in London," USA Today reported. America came second in the study.

The biggest of these developments is 11-square mile Tianjin Eco-City, which is expected to reach a population of 350,000 people within the next ten years.

Inhabitat featured the Tianjin Eco-City last year, detailing the plans developed by Surbana Urban Planning Group.

The communities have so far produced mixed results, putting affordability above actual advances in ecological living, the paper reported. Most of the developments still rely on coal for a large majority of their power. Selling points are more associated with a cheaper cost of living and less with reducing pollution, critics say.

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