Smart, Alan2018-01-172018-01-172018-01-16“Ethnographic perspectives on the mediation of informality between people and plans in urbanising China” Urban Studies Online First January 16, 2018. https://doi.dox.org/10.1177/0042098017745440http://hdl.handle.net/1880/106264In this introduction to some of the themes of this special issue on People and plans in urbanising China, I draw on Herbert Gans’ prescient comments about the importance of informality in med- iating between plans and the various groups of people, users and planners, who shape their for- mation and implementation. Informality is even more important in the governance of cities in China. Comparing contemporary Chinese cities with Hong Kong, I suggest that informal responses, both in society and within government, can produce significant changes in plans that may increase the effectiveness or appropriateness of urban governance. Careful ethnographic research is required, however, in order to access the subtle and non-public nature of such inter- actions and their consequences. This commentary draws out some of the themes from articles included in this special issue, and highlights how informality intersects with plans and the people who create them and are influenced by them.enUnless otherwise indicated, this material is protected by copyright and has been made available with authorization from the copyright owner. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.journal articlehttps://doi.dox.org/10.1177/004209801774544010.11575/PRISM/33358