Renovation gives older urban areas a much-needed face-lift

Zhang Qichang, a senior citizen of Changchun's Jichai historical street in Erdao district, is very happy about the changes around the community.

"The environment in the community has become really good. I'm always happy to take a walk downstairs," said Zhang.

According to the Changchun government's information office, the old city, located at the center of Changchun, has recently undergone a total transformation, leading the economic and social development of the city.

As the city's functions changed at a fast pace, and as the nearby areas continued to grow, the town center's narrow streets and limited industrial space became choked.

Starting early this year, Changchun's Party committee launched a series of projects to upgrade the old city.

"The old city's renovation and upgrade is a livelihood enhancement project. It is in line with the urgent need to forge a 'city with the highest sense of happiness' and realize the aim of building a well-to-do society in all aspects," said Wang Junzheng, Party chief of Changchun.

One project involves the renovation of 155 old communities, involving 120,000 households and 430,000 people in an area of 11.64 million square meters, four times the total amount of community renovations undertaken in the past four years.

The city has upgraded 454 kilometers of underground pipes and moved 83 kilometers of lines underground. Water, drainage and gas lines were given first priority for citizens' convenience.

Important roads and communities were decorated and given face lifts, involving 39 demonstration roads, 221 standard roads and 10 business streets, as well as 155 old communities. New vegetation, green spaces and lighting projects for major buildings have made the city and its public facilities more appealing.

Chongqing Road, located at the town's center, is a famous business street in Changchun. Since the renovation, the street has taken on a more stylish aesthetic through its new architecture. The Chuncheng Theater and Ding Feng Zhen, a 100-year-old shopping mall, have been restored to their historical brown-yellowish hue. The nearby Charter Shopping Center and Chang-chun Department Store, on the other hand, are decorated with a more modern feel.

The designers hope to present new characteristics and display the city's cultural charm to upgrade the city in terms of its urban functions, style and livable environment.

(China Daily 12/16/2016 page10)