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Revitalizing Chongqing: How Urban Renewal Project Shapes an Old Community

By ZENG, JUNXIANG|Jan 31,2025

Chongqing - Once a cluster of abandoned residential buildings belonging to a factory, the Daojiao 1979 Cultural and Creative Arts Community in Chongqing has undergone a remarkable transformation. This historic site has been reinvigorated through urban renewal, blending its industrial past with modern cultural elements. The revival has not only integrated the area into contemporary urban life. Still, it has also rekindled a deep nostalgia among former residents, who return to celebrate the Chinese New Year together.  

Volunteers are teaching children how to make paper lanterns. (Photo/Ba'nan District)

From abandoned Factory to Cultural Landmark

Few could have imagined that the once-unused factory housing would one day evolve into a vibrant cultural and creative arts hub, replaced with restaurants, entertainment venues, and artistic installations. Located in Huaxi Street, Ba’nan District, Chongqing, the site was formerly home to the Chongqing Machine Tool Accessories Factory. As the city expanded and industries modernized, the factory relocated, leaving behind empty buildings that gradually fell into disuse.  

Urban renewal has breathed new life into this space while preserving its historical essence. Elements of the site's industrial past remain, offering a tangible link to Chongqing’s manufacturing heritage. At the same time, contemporary businesses and creative enterprises have taken root, attracting visitors and reshaping the local economy. This model of adaptive reuse is increasingly common across China, where rapid development has prompted cities to find innovative ways to balance economic growth with cultural preservation.  

A Reunion of Memories and Tradition

As the Chinese New Year approaches, Daojiao 1979 comes alive with festive energy. Former residents, once factory workers and their families, return to relive cherished memories in a space that has been given a second life. Traditional performances, folk music, and local delicacies fill the air, recreating the warmth and camaraderie that once defined the community.  

The transformation has not only revitalized the space but also strengthened the emotional bonds among those who once called it home. “The celebration feels different this year,” says Yang Caihua, a long-time resident. “Coming back to the place where we lived and worked for decades, seeing it bustling once more—it's an incredible feeling.”  

For many, the project represents more than just a physical renewal; it is a symbolic revival of their collective past. Wang Limin, another former resident, reflects: “After all these years, I never imagined our past could be preserved and honored in this way. It’s like our memories have been framed and put on display.”  

Former residents return to this community and write couplets for Chinese New Year. (Photo/Ba'nan District)

Preserving the Past, Embracing the Future

The success of Daojiao 1979 is a testament to the power of urban renewal in shaping a city's future while respecting its past. This project has set a precedent for similar transformations in Chongqing and beyond by integrating modern infrastructure with cultural heritage. More than just repurposing old buildings, it has rekindled a sense of community, ensuring that the spirit of the past continues to inspire the future.  

Residents make tangyuan (sweet rice dumplings) to welcome a prosperous year. (Photo/Ba'nan District)


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