The article examines the measures taken by China to improve the environmental situation, including the development of the concept of eco-cities. Examples of the implementation of this concept in the cities of Tianjin and Beijing are given, illustrating the practical application of the principles of sustainable development in the field of urban planning. Special attention is paid to the legal mechanisms governing the creation of eco-cities. A comparative study was also conducted with the situation in Russia, where the concept of eco-cities remains insufficiently widespread. The article analyzes possible ways to adapt this concept in Russia, including the reconstruction of existing urban areas, the introduction of green building standards, the greening of public procurement and the improvement of the regulatory framework.