This morning, the Municipal Government Information Office held the sixth press conference in the «Action Paints the Answer, Relay the New Blueprint» series on Shanghai’s 14th Five-Year Plan achievements. Focusing on the theme of «Taking Practical Actions and Leading the Way in Building the Best Practice Area for a People’s City,» the conference presented the construction and development achievements of Yangpu District during the 14th Five-Year Plan period. Officials attended the press conference and answered questions from reporters.

In November 2019, during an inspection of the Yangpu waterfront, the General Secretary proposed the important concept of «A People’s City Built by the People, A People’s City for the People.» Since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan period, Yangpu has kept this instruction in mind, forged ahead, and focused on three major tasks: new practices for the People’s City, a renewed push for innovation-driven development, and galvanizing Yangpu’s «can-do spirit.» This has effectively driven qualitative changes in economic development, a transformation in the urban landscape, and a leap in the quality of life for the people.

I. Over the past five years, in promoting new practices for the People’s City, new pathways for ‘Built by the People’ have been expanded, and new achievements ‘For the People’ have been delivered.

Prioritizing livable and affordable housing. Continuous efforts have been made to intensify urban renewal and accelerate the pace of demolition and reconstruction. Three major goals were achieved over the five years: the comprehensive renovation of sub-standard old neighborhoods was completed in 2022, the task of renovating ‘small beam thin slab’ buildings was concluded in 2024, and this year, the era of «carrying chamber pots» was ended. Over these five years, a total of 421,000 square meters of old housing has been demolished and renovated, fulfilling the «livable dream» and «affordable housing dream» for over 20,000 households. Concepts such as heritage preservation, all-age friendliness, the park city, and resilient safety have been integrated into urban renewal, promoting the coordinated development of beautiful homes, beautiful streets, and the 15-minute community life circle, striving to allow the people of Yangpu to enjoy the benefits of modern urban life.

Continuously improving and expanding the supply of public services. Since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan period, fiscal expenditure on people’s livelihoods in the district has increased by 50.2%, with its share of general public budget expenditure rising from 43.5% to 52.3%. Focusing on the two areas of greatest public concern, education and healthcare, 14 new schools have been built, adding 7,070 school places, allowing children to attend «good schools» close to home. High-level medical consortia have been established, improving the tiered healthcare system and family doctor services, enabling residents to access quality medical care within their communities. Addressing the needs of the most vulnerable groups, the «very young» and the «elderly,» universal childcare services have been extended to cover all sub-districts, and the city’s first embedded childcare center in a sci-tech park was established to meet the needs of working parents for «dropping off and picking up kids around work hours.» The system of home- and community-based elderly care has been continuously improved, creating a network of «downstairs accessible» senior canteens and «silver hair living rooms» to create the most beautiful «sunset years.»

II. Over the past five years, in advancing the renewed push for innovation-driven development, innovation momentum has been activated, and development strength has grown.

To chart the course for innovation-driven development in the new era, in 2023, Yangpu District proposed focusing on strengthening the «Four Innovation Capabilities» to fully drive the renewed push for innovation.

In enhancing the capacity for scientific and technological innovation at the source, efforts were made on two fronts: fostering original innovation by deepening cooperation with universities and research institutes, providing them with necessary space, talent services, and policy support to help build a pioneer zone for basic research and a highland for original innovation; and promoting the commercialization of scientific and technological achievements by working closely with various innovation entities to jointly build platforms for industry-university-research collaboration, giving rise to a large number of high-impact achievements. Since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan period, 18 National Science and Technology Awards and over 40% of municipal-level Science and Technology Awards have originated from Yangpu.

In boosting the competitiveness of innovative industries, based on Yangpu’s resource endowment and industrial foundation, efforts have been made to build an innovative modern industrial system characterized as «1+2+3+4»: with the digital economy as the core leading sector; «AI

Yangpu waterfront

The Yangpu waterfront in Shanghai is a prime example of industrial heritage revitalization. Once a major industrial and port zone, its historic wharves and warehouses have been transformed into a public recreational space. The area now features parks, running trails, and preserved industrial cranes, blending its historical significance with modern urban life.

14th Five-Year Plan

The 14th Five-Year Plan is not a physical place or cultural site, but rather a strategic blueprint for China’s national development from 2021 to 2025. It outlines key economic and social goals, focusing on high-quality growth, technological self-reliance, and green development. Historically, it continues China’s series of five-year plans, a central planning mechanism first implemented in 1953 to guide the country’s modernization.

People’s City

I am unable to provide a specific summary for «People’s City» as it is not a uniquely identifiable place or cultural site. This term is a common translation for many locations worldwide, such as «Ciudad Perdida» in Colombia or «People’s Square» in Shanghai. To give an accurate summary, please provide the specific city or country you are referring to.

small beam thin slab buildings

«Small beam thin slab buildings» refer to a standardized, economical construction method widely used in China’s urban housing from the 1950s to the 1980s. This technique employed prefabricated, slender concrete slabs and beams to rapidly construct basic, low-rise residential blocks during a period of severe housing shortage. While functional, these buildings are now often considered outdated and many have been replaced by modern developments.

15-minute community life circle

The «15-minute community life circle» is a modern urban planning concept, not a historical site, that aims to ensure residents can access essential services like groceries, healthcare, and parks within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from their homes. It emerged as a response to issues of urban sprawl and car dependency, gaining prominence through its adoption in cities like Paris and Shanghai. The concept promotes sustainable, healthy, and socially connected neighborhoods by decentralizing amenities.

National Science and Technology Awards

The National Science and Technology Awards are the highest honors bestowed by the Chinese government for achievements in scientific and technological progress. Established in 1999, they aim to recognize and reward individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the nation’s technological development. The awards cover several categories, including the prestigious State Preeminent Science and Technology Award, and serve as a major driver of innovation in China.

municipal-level Science and Technology Awards

The Municipal-level Science and Technology Awards are honors conferred by city governments to recognize significant achievements in scientific research and technological innovation within their jurisdiction. These awards aim to encourage and reward scientists, engineers, and organizations for their contributions that drive local economic and social development. Their history is tied to China’s national strategy for scientific advancement, with local awards forming a foundational tier in the country’s broader system of scientific recognition.

digital economy

The digital economy is a modern economic system centered around digital technologies and data-driven activities, emerging with the rise of the internet in the late 20th century. It has evolved from basic e-commerce and information sharing to encompass advanced fields like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the platform economy. This transformation has reshaped global commerce, labor, and social interaction by enabling new business models and accelerating globalization.