Image Credits : CGTN
China has undertaken an extensive urban renewal initiative, investing 2.6 trillion yuan (approximately 364.58 billion U.S. dollars) in over 66,000 projects, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development announced on Friday. These projects, spanning maintenance, renovation, demolition, and improvement of public resources, aim to better align urban spaces with the evolving expectations and needs of the populace, as well as the country’s economic and social development goals.
A significant portion of these initiatives has focused on transforming over 2,600 former factories and commercial blocks, alongside the construction or renovation of nearly 15,000 public facilities dedicated to medical, sports, educational, and cultural purposes. This ambitious effort underscores China’s commitment to enhancing the quality of urban living and adapting infrastructure to modern standards.
This year, China plans to renovate 54,000 old urban residential communities, with progress already evident as 22,600 communities have begun revamping by the end of May. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to rejuvenate urban areas, ensuring they are more functional, sustainable, and aligned with contemporary demands.
The Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development has emphasized the importance of improving management models to achieve sustainable development in these urban renewal projects. To facilitate this, pilot projects will be launched, and local governments will receive guidance tailored to their specific conditions.
In support of these initiatives, the Ministry of Natural Resources recently issued a notice advocating for the renovation of old residential communities. This notice highlights the need for refined land-use policies and streamlined approval procedures, aiming to remove bureaucratic obstacles and expedite the renewal process.