Chongqing - "The project is a good example for Nepal and boosts our confidence that we, too, can achieve similar results with determination," said Dinanath Sharma, Central Secretary of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Center) (CPNMC), after visiting Minzhu Village in Chongqing on April 10.

Sharma noted that this visit, organized as part of the seminar for CPNMC local party officials, helped them gain a deeper understanding of Chongqing’s approach to urban governance and development.

On April 10, the seminar participants listened to staff members who introduced the transformation journey of Minzhu Village. (Photo/Luo Huxin)

At the meeting hall in Minzhu Village, seminar participants understood more about the whole village renovation process. Originally built between the 1950s and 1990s, Minzhu Village once housed more than 100 residential buildings. However, the aging buildings—some over 70 years old—became increasingly outdated, with insufficient urban management and inadequate public facilities.

In 2021, the Chinese government selected Chongqing’s Jiulongpo District as one of the country’s first urban renewal pilot areas and included Minzhu Village as a key project in the initiative.

Minzhu Village’s transformation success lies in the constructive interaction between government departments and local residents. Before drafting renovation plans, officials collected over 400 suggestions from community members to understand the challenges and needs at the grassroots level. Based on this feedback, the renovation prioritized preserving the village’s original appearance while addressing urgent safety and functional issues. New additions included leisure spaces, service centers, and a community canteen.

On April 10, at the community canteen of Minzhu Village, the seminar participants watched residents play poker. (Photo/Luo Huxin)

Umakanta Bhoortel, a member of the Gandaki Provincial Committee of Nepal, remarked that the decision-making model through cross-sector coordination could provide valuable insights for Nepal’s urban infrastructure development. He expressed hope for deeper exchanges and collaboration between the two countries.