In cities, the built environment plays a critical role in promoting a healthy urban landscape for residents. Governments, health organizations, and urban planners have all noted the connection between the environment and healthy populations. As early as 1986, the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion observed the need to enable city residents to improve their health and well-being by supporting healthier and more sustainable environments, not just in the health sector, but at the city level. More recently, as China reopened from the COVID-19 lockdowns, the government renewed focus on its stated mission of “Healthy China 2030” to develop communities that promote healthy lifestyles and physical fitness — concentrating on the prevention of disease rather than just treatment. To support healthier cities — with a focus on Chinese municipalities — the research seeks to review and rethink urban design strategies in post-pandemic times, and explore how an urban design toolkit can promote wellness at the neighborhood level.