CUHK aspires to become a leading comprehensive research university in China and the region, and the international university of choice in East Asia. In February 2006, the University Council adopted a ten-year Strategic Plan which articulates in concrete terms the University's goals and strategies for the coming decade in the pursuit of its aspirations of advancement of scholarship, quality of education, enrichment of student experience and preparation for a four-year normative undergraduate curriculum. The Strategic Plan shall form a basis for the master planning exercise.

To enable the academic pursuits put forward in the Strategic Plan to be supported by a learning environment fit for the 21st century and worthy of a world-class, research-led, international university, the University has decided to draw up a visionary master plan for campus development up to 2021, based on the principles of sustainable development, with phased implementation. It is envisioned that the campus master plan will place the future development within the context of a unified vision.

“Overview of the Campus Master Plan” – by Prof. P. C. Ching, Pro-Vice-Chancellor