Developers of a new district in Chengdu, China - designed to house two million people - have turned to Letchworth Garden City in Hertfordshire, UK for inspiration.

Letchworth was designed as a self-contained, sustainable community with proportionate areas for homes and recreation, and Chinese developers believe the plan can be adapted for cities of up to 14 million people.

Industrial areas in Letchworth were set aside and all parts of the city were zoned to avoid increased pollution. The garden city is also surrounded by a green belt of agricultural land for growing food.

Head of strategic planning and heritage for Letchworth, David Ames, visited China earlier his year to advise Chengdu officials, while a delegation from China are planning a return trip to Letchworth to discuss further details.

A spokesperson for Letchworth said: “The concept of the town feeding itself is of relevance and the utilisation of the green belt to prevent unprotected sprawl can lead to a more positive legacy and better places.”

Developers have already started to apply the principles of the garden city for the main development area of Chengdu Dongcun.