Chongqing - Chongqing’s Minzhu Village, once an aging neighborhood with rundown buildings, has been transformed into a vibrant community filled with cafes, shops, and cultural sites. Thanks to a comprehensive urban renewal project, this former industrial, residential area has become a popular destination for both residents and visitors.
During the National Day holiday, a street view of the Minzhu Village community in Jiulongpo District, Chongqing. (Photo/Li Song, Xinhua)
Amid old buildings, the scent of freshly brewed coffee fills the air as locals and visitors enjoy relaxed conversations at two newly opened coffee shops. This scene unfolds in Minzhu Village, a community in Xiejiawan Street, Jiulongpo District of Chongqing, where Feng Sha, a young entrepreneur, returned to her childhood neighborhood to start her own business.
“Look at all the bustling shops and the crowds today—it wasn’t like this before,” Feng reflects. Previously, Minzhu Village was an aging residential area with rundown buildings and an unkempt environment. Its shabby look stood in stark contrast to the nearby upscale shopping complexes like Chongqing MixC.
Jiulongpo District, one of China’s first pilot areas for urban renewal, began transforming Minzhu Village significantly in 2022. Originally a residential zone for a state-owned machinery factory, the area has since undergone major renovations. Over 110,000 square meters of buildings have been refurbished, while an additional 31,000 square meters were preserved, and more than 40,000 square meters of hazardous structures were demolished.
The community’s renewal followed a comprehensive approach focusing on preserving historical character while enhancing livability. Local efforts centered on “preserve, renovate, demolish, and supplement.” This approach aimed to retain cultural elements, improve residential comfort, clear unsafe areas, and add necessary facilities. As a result, Minzhu Village now offers improved living conditions, while new businesses and consumer spaces have also been created to revitalize the area.
During the National Day holiday, a street view of the Minzhu Village community in Jiulongpo District, Chongqing. (Photo/Li Song, Xinhua)
At the heart of Minzhu Village, residents and visitors can find a range of facilities, including a community service center, a healthcare center, and a neighborhood canteen. Old trades, such as shoemaking and locksmith services, are preserved for the convenience of locals. “Our old buildings now have a fresh look, the overhead wires are gone, and new seating has been added. The roads are brighter and cleaner—this is what we’re most satisfied with,” a resident shared.
Urban renewal has not only boosted residents' satisfaction but also turned Minzhu Village into a tourist hotspot. Over the recent National Day holiday, many tourists visited to explore this vibrant new community. Some visited the community center, converted from an old brick building, to view photos detailing the transformation from a former factory residential area into a modern neighborhood. Others strolled under the shade of ancient trees, snapping pictures beside old mailboxes and traditional hotpot restaurants.
Among the visitors was Zhang Julin and his family from Hubei Province. They gathered at a street-side teahouse, enjoying cups of tea with snacks. “Minzhu Village has both traditional and modern charms,” Zhang said. “There are old houses, ancient trees, as well as creative spaces like coffee shops and heritage halls. The blend of old life and new fashion gives this place a unique appeal.”
The community has also seen an economic revival with the influx of visitors. Vacant properties have been handed over to professional management companies, attracting cultural and commercial businesses that share their profits with the community. Today, over 100 businesses, from trendy shops to established brands, have moved into Minzhu Village, rejuvenating more than 10,000 square meters of commercial space.
(Li Song, a reporter from Xinhua News, contributed the Chinese version of this report.)