As the world’s population is ageing and urbanising rapidly, cities take the key role in the discussion of how to achieve a sustainable future that needs to integrate high living standards for all inhabitants, energy efficiency and limited consumption of resources. China is at the forefront of these developments, with the migration of the rural population towards urban centres and its ageing society. Several Neighbourhood Sustainability Assessment Tools have been developed to aid planning and urban design to adapt to these challenges. This article examines the “Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen” (DGNB, German Sustainable Building Council)” programme as a tool for generating inclusive urban design. It specifically looks at the integration of the needs of the elderly and their integration in the assessment criteria of the DGNB. The article considers the requirements for a social- and functional mix, public spaces, accessibility and thermal comfort. As an outlook, it gives an overview over the application of the DGNB urban design programme in the Chinese context.