Ho Chi Minh City’s Can Gio enters race for 7 Wonders of Future Cities

When the New Seven Wonders of the World is mentioned, many people may recall the global campaign that once captured the attention of millions around the world.

In 2007, the organizer announced a list of the New Seven Wonders of the World: the Great Wall of China, the Colosseum in Italy, the ancient city of Petra in Jordan, the Taj Mahal in India, Chichen Itza in Mexico, Machu Picchu in Peru, and Christ the Redeemer in Brazil.

Four years later, it unveiled the New Seven Wonders of Nature, a list that included Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay.

This time, the New Seven Wonders is shifting its focus toward the future of urban living.

The Seven Wonders of Future Cities campaign seeks to identify urban models that demonstrate how people could live in the 21st century, as technology, environmental protection, and quality of life become increasingly important considerations.

One notable aspect of the initiative is its openness to projects at different stages of development.

Eligible candidates can include fully completed cities, developments under construction, and projects still in the planning or development stages.

The goal is to recognize forward-looking ideas with the potential to shape the cities of tomorrow.

Three key principles underpin the selection criteria: sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity in urban life.

The list of candidates features several high-profile developments, including NEOM in Saudi Arabia, Masdar City in the United Arab Emirates, Toyota Woven City in Japan, and Vietnam's Vinhomes Green Paradise.

Each project represents a different vision of what future cities could look like.

Can Gio: Where nature meets the future of urban development

Can Gio is a place of exceptional natural significance, located at Ho Chi Minh City's gateway to the sea.

Its mangrove ecosystem has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve since 2000.

Among Can Gio's greatest natural assets are its extensive mangrove forests, winding waterways, estuaries and coastal landscapes, as well as the traditional livelihoods of communities whose lives remain closely connected to the surrounding environment.

The development of a modern urban area in Can Gio is set to bring significant changes to the area's landscape over the coming decades.

According to its announced development vision, Vinhomes Green Paradise aims to establish a model of urban living built around clean energy, green transportation, smart technologies, and sustainable development solutions.