Since 2012, WHITR‑AP Shanghai has actively implemented the Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) Program, integrating HUL principles into urban and spatial planning to address the rapid socio‑economic changes in contemporary China. WHITR‑AP Shanghai continued advancing HUL concepts through international cooperation, academic research, policy advocacy, and practical application.

In January 2020, the centre contributed to the international experts meeting, Heritage in Urban Contexts: Impacts of Development Projects on World Heritage Properties in Cities, held in Fukuoka, Japan. The focus was on methodologies for assessing urban heritage values. In October of the same year, the centre hosted an online seminar titled Historic Urban Landscape Approach: Integrating Urban Heritage Conservation and Urban Development in Planning Processes in Asia. This event helped spread HUL principles across the Asia‑Pacific region.

In 2021, to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the UNESCO Recommendation on HUL, the centre participated in technical meetings and roundtable discussions organised by UNESCO and its partners, sharing strategic insights and case studies that further amplified the global influence of HUL concepts. WHITR‑AP Shanghai's long‑term research and practice program, Conservation and Revitalisation Programme of the Ancient City of Ping Yao, was included in UNESCO’s World Heritage Canopy at the 10th anniversary of HUL Recommendation.

In December 2024, the Centre completed the Sustainable Development Report of Lijiang Ancient City as a World Heritage City, and, using HUL principles, formulated a version 3.0 development plan for Lijiang Ancient City.

WHITR‑AP Shanghai has actively promoted pilot studies and practical applications of HUL in China’s historical and cultural cities, towns, and villages. It has published three monographs on the subject, and the exploration of heritage protection and urban renewal in cities such as Pingyao, Suzhou, and Chaozhou. These efforts have greatly facilitated the promotion and implementation of HUL in China and the Asia‑Pacific region.