China has taken strides in the renovation of old urban residential communities and rundown urban areas as part of its commitment to promoting high-quality development in urban areas.
The Minzhucun Community in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality serves as a vivid example of the ongoing transformation.
Just a little over two years ago, the area was still a dilapidated urban village, posing a sharp contrast to the neighboring skyscrapers.
"Before the renovation, many residents had expressed the hope that the government should demolish this entire area," said Wu Chengli, Communist Party of China (CPC) branch secretary of Minzhucun Community.
"To carry out the demolition would need a budget of around 4 to 5 billion yuan. It's not just a matter of money. There was also the issue of energy and workforce involved. The cost and workload would be immense," said Yu Shui, designer of Minzhucun Community renewal project.
These are common problems in urban development, as random demolition of old buildings would involve relocation of residents and rise in housing prices.
President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, actually gave the solution to the problems in 2019.
At the Central Economic Work Conference in December 2019, Xi emphasized the importance of strengthening urban renewal, with a particular focus on the renovation of old residential communities.
China's urban development entered a new stage, focusing on comprehensive transformation and upgrading of old residential communities.
"The renovation of rundown urban areas mainly involves demolishing and rebuilding. As we carried out urban renewal, we must respond to the General Secretary's call and address the shortcomings in infrastructure, thereby enhance the people's sense of happiness and fulfillment," said Wang Bo, a manager from Jiulong Urban Renewal Company in Chongqing.
With a firm commitment to people-centered urbanization, multiple policies have been rolled out to expedite urban renewal to make cities more livable, smarter, and more resilient.
In early 2022, an urban renewal project was launched in Minzhucun Community, which has been included in national pilot programs. It includes gated residential compounds and commercial areas, and it also offers opportunities for people to start businesses.
The community, with a history of over 70 years, has taken on a new look.
Xi visited the community on April 22, 2024, when he learned about the progress of the community renovation and stressed the need to strike a balance between solving practical problems and preserving historical memory.
"When the General Secretary visited our community, he stressed, as always, to maintain the unique features that preserve the city's historical memory," said Yu Shui.
"I stressed that the ficus lacor trees must be kept for us. The people in our community have deep feelings for them as they were planted by ourselves. The urban renewal company accepted our request," said Chen Dairong, a resident.
Xi emphasized that reform should be planned and carried out for people's overall, fundamental and long-term interests, calling for more measures to address the pressing difficulties and problems that concern the people most.
During his visit to the community, Xi also learned about services available to local residents.
"The General Secretary came in and stood right here. He was very endearing. He asked if it was convenient to get the social security card, and I told him it was very easy. Now, after the urban renewal, a health service station and a community service center entered our neighborhood. I lost my social security card, and could get a new one right here in the community. Before, I had to go all the way to the social security office, which took me at least three hours back and forth. But now, it only takes us three to five minutes to get it done here. I can just pop in while I'm out shopping or taking a stroll," said Zhang Liqun, a 65-year-old resident of Minzhu Community.
"The urban renewal is truly great. Previously, the facilities were not so complete, but after the transformation, our community canteen is really well run and satisfying. On April 22, I was at the canteen when President Xi came. He asked me if I live in this community and if I dine here often. He also asked about the prices, and I told him that it's 15 yuan for us senior folks. He asked about the variety of dishes, and I also told him. He said he was satisfied," said Chen Dairong of the community.
The second phase of Minzhucun Community renewal project is in full swing. This year, some 50,000 old residential communities are to be renewed nationwide to further improve urban functionality for residents.
China takes strides in urban renewal
