Across China: Urban renewal breathes new life into old residential communities

Song Qinxiang, 61, had been grappling with the dilemma of moving or not for quite some time.

She has been living in the Bada community, Xixiu District of Anshun City, southwest China's Guizhou Province, for decades. On the one hand, she was troubled by the messy conditions of the old community due to poor management. On the other hand, she was reluctant to give up its convenient location and her memories associated with the community.

Built in the 1980s, Bada community was once an enviable place to live.

"I moved to Bada after I got married. I was pleased with the new apartment located in the central area of Anshun. Various shops were within walking distance, and many transportation options enabled me to get around. My daughter was born and raised here with sweet memories," Song said.

However, due to poor maintenance, the 40-year-old community faced multiple problems -- theft, aging pipes, uneven road surfaces, an unsanitary environment, and many more challenges.

"Even though I lived on the top floor, a thief managed to steal a TV from my apartment," Song recalled.

The city government's renovation project, aimed at transforming old urban residential communities, freed Song from her dilemma.

The Qingbaozhan community, about a 10-minute drive from Bada, shared similar problems.

"Piles of garbage littered the ground. Swarms of mosquitoes and flies buzzed in summer. On rainy days, when the drains always flooded and dirty water overflowed down the path, residents had to walk on the stepping stones," recalled Chen Kai, 50, a Qingbaozhan resident.

In 2019, the Xixiu government initiated the urban renewal program. The Bada and Qingbaozhan communities were among the first batch included on the renewal list, following careful planning and close consultation with the residents.

Old buildings were re-painted both inside and outside, road surfaces were hardened and water-logging was no longer an issue, aging water pipes, cables and gas pipes were replaced, and garbage was cleaned up to make room for new trees.

In addition to improved living conditions, new facilities were added to meet residents' needs -- parking lots, exercise equipment, charging stations for electric vehicles, delivery lockers and water dispensers.

Smart access control systems were provided to renovated communities. Quick and simple access to buildings could be achieved through facial recognition, smart cards and applications on mobile phones. Professional property service companies were hired to ensure routine management of the communities.

"I feel secure and protected," Song said.

The residents were pleased with the changes in their communities. Even former residents who had moved out of Bada and Qingbaozhan moved back there due to the improved living environment, while some rented out their apartments at higher prices. New restaurants and shops opened around the communities.

"It requires further efforts to maintain and manage communities well after the renovation work is done," said Duan Shide, head of the urban renewal work of the Xixiu housing construction bureau.

So far, a total of 44 old urban residential communities in Xixiu have been renovated or are under renovation, while seven more are to be renovated in 2023, benefiting over 17,000 households.