Daylight utilization in urban areas is receiving increasing attention from urban planners and developers, architects and engineers. This study investigated the daylighting availability within buildings of a highly dense residential urban area under a cold climate in north-east China. Based on innovative simulations using climate-based daylight modelling (CBDM), three typical urban layouts have been assessed according to vertical daylight illuminance at the building facade. A comprehensive analysis of daylighting potential has been completed through various approaches including typical time (9 a.m., 12 p.m. and 3 p.m.), yearly average daylight illuminance and a proposed external daylight metric based on the frequency. Several interesting relationships are found between daylighting potential, urban forms, and climate conditions. A number of design strategies and guidelines are produced to support early stage urban planning and design. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.