Restoring a city's charm
Modern infrastructure gives residents and tourists a taste of elegance, Deng Zhangyu reports in Suzhou, Jiangsu.
Since the beginning of this century, Deng has been involved in renovation projects in Suzhou.
He jokingly refers to himself as a "new-style Suzhou native". He describes the renovation of Shiquan Street as a successful example of people-oriented development, where residents, shop owners, and the community collaborated in construction and governance. During last year's renovation, Deng and his team spent a significant amount of time engaging in detailed communication with residents and businesses.
They gathered every individual's concerns, such as uneven roads and the lack of parking spaces for motorcycles, as well as the community's shared expectations for their neighborhood. This process also sparked enthusiasm for participation, leading residents to offer suggestions and voluntarily join renovation efforts.
"The government invested approximately 47 million yuan ($6.43 million) in the project, while businesses and institutions on the street voluntarily contributed more than 100 million yuan. Their active participation in the neighborhood's renovation represents a sustainable model for community development," says Deng.
Walking along Shiquan Street, which is lined with bakeries, cafes, trendy clothing stores and time-honored restaurants, every shop owner Deng encounters greets him warmly and invites him in, just like an old friend.
