Chongqing - On the evening of December 16, Longmenhao Old Street · Xiahaoli looks spectacular under sparkling and shining lights. Visitors wander past buildings and visit about 30 different artistic installations and IPs, like coffee shops and photo spots, to experience folk customs and savor the charm of this old street.
The picturesque Xiahaoli is the epitome of Chongqing's city renovation. Until now, Chongqing has invested 167.5 billion yuan（$24.04 billion) in 112 pilot city renovation programs, of which 36 have been completed and put into use. Yuzhong District and Jiulongpo District have been included in 21 pilot city (district) renovations.
All those programs not only renovate the city but also improve citizens' quality of life and sense of satisfaction.
Xiahaoli has witnessed hundreds and even thousands of years of change. Chongqing's residents and tourists can see historical sites dating back thousands of years, read the story of Chongqing's opening, and see a vivid example of the city's upgrade. According to official personnel from Chongqing Nanbin Road Construction and Development Center, Xiahaoli was once a junction of Longmenhao Yard and Shangxin Street, where international companies gathered.
The Longmenhao Old Street·Xiahaoli. (Photo/ Shangyou News)
Nan'an District launched an upgrade program for Xiahaoli in April last year. People can visit the site from November 5.
The program used blue bricks, old tiles, and dressed stones to renovate Xiahaoli. These materials are intended to preserve memories of the old street, to create a place representing Chongqing's folk life, and let visitors feel, smell, and touch materials from the past.
During the national holiday, Daijia Lane was as popular as always as a popular photo spot. "My shop is crowded every day. Tourists often have to scramble for a stool to sit on," said Zhang Ji, a local coffee shop owner.
Most of the buildings date from the 1970s and 1990s. Renovations in this area preserve elements representing Chongqing, such as old walls and stilted houses.
The Daijia Lane. (Photo/ Shangyou News)
"Characters of the mountainous city have attracted many tourists to check in and revitalized the surrounding business areas," said Zeng Dailin, a resident of Daijia Lane. Significant changes have attracted many original residents to move back here, and permanent residents have increased by about 80%. It makes us happy to watch this area become cleaner, more fashionable, and more popular."
Besides, historical features preserved by projects like Design and Creation Industrial Park of Chongqing University, Ziwei Road of Longta Street in Yubei District, 18 Steps (Shibati) Traditional Style Area, and Shaci Lane in Shapingba District have not only added characteristics to the city but also captured memories of the city so that residents can have more small moments of happiness in this city.
The Design and Creation Industrial Park of Chongqing University. (Photo/ Shangyou News)
The Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development of the People's Republic of China gave a thumbs up to Chongqing's City Renovation. Chongqing's complicated topography and the mixture of traditional and new urban areas are big challenges in the renovation. Therefore, Chongqing has dedicated itself to seeking out new experiences in city renovation. For example, Chongqing organized designers, planners, and architects to work together in the communities to conduct services, transform old buildings and improve support services. To simultaneously meet people's needs and satisfaction, the city strives to enrich ancient neighborhood cultures with artistic designs.
As of now, 3,981 old urban neighborhoods have been renovated, covering 918.6 million square meters and benefiting 980,000 households. Meanwhile, 5,200 supporting facilities, over 3,800 elevators, and more than 30,000 parking spots have been launched to reform and improve the community's ability to care for the elderly and children.
In order to renovate the city, Chongqing has clear ideas and directions, as well as practical and feasible plans. Chongqing is leading the country in this area.
(Wang Binqi, as an intern, also contributed to the report.)