The project «Chongqing Explores a Comprehensive Approach to Micro-Renovation to Advance the Renewal of Old Districts» has been selected among 22 innovative practices to be replicated nationwide, according to a list issued by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development.

On May 29, at a press conference titled «Embracing a New Mission, Writing a New Chapter» — «City Renewal Action Plan,» it was announced that Chongqing has been successfully chosen as one of the first pilot cities to receive central financial support for urban renewal. Currently, many of Chongqing’s practices have been incorporated into high-level national policy development, and urban renewal is showing positive momentum.

Cumulative renovation and renewal of 65,000 households in hazardous urban housing

According to preliminary data, the city insists on renewal to benefit residents and revitalize the urban living environment. Citywide, the renovation and reconstruction of 65,000 hazardous urban homes have been completed. Plans are in place to address potential safety hazards in the exterior walls of urban residential buildings; by 2024, 4,500 kilometers of gas, sewage, and water pipelines will be renewed. Simultaneously, the advancement of digitalization and intelligent management of underground pipelines will effectively eliminate safety risks related to aging networks and gas leaks. In total, the renovation of old urban and colonial districts has covered 21 million square meters, with 80 downtown village renewal projects completed, benefiting 220,700 households. Additionally, 67 street renewal projects have been implemented, 61 kilometers of waterfront management completed, 817 kilometers of urban recreational trails constructed, and over 400 kilometers of «clean water, green banks» riverfronts established.

To stimulate the vitality of new urban spaces, the city has adopted a «micro-renovation» model, systematically renewing residential, street, and factory areas, implementing 15 demonstration projects to improve functional quality. Through zonal resource integration, project linkage, and comprehensive fund utilization, the city has organically combined «scenery at the doorstep» with «income at the doorstep.»

To support high-quality urban renewal development, the city has also formulated the «Chongqing Central Urban Area Renewal Plan.» Aligning with central urban planning, the plan establishes a «point-line-plane» spatial renewal structure, identifying 328 key renewal zones in old residential, commercial, factory, and street areas, covering 137 square kilometers. It integrates 134 renewal zones, promoting functional, protective, and safety-oriented renewal by category.

Pioneers in full coverage of three-tier elderly care service networks

Currently, the proportion of elderly residents in old districts of Chongqing’s central urban area exceeds 30%, significantly higher than the citywide average of 24%. To enable seniors to enjoy a happy life in their later years, the city’s civil affairs department, aiming to create a «15-minute elderly care service circle,» has launched three major initiatives.

At the city level, efforts to establish a three-tier elderly care service system have resulted in 52 district-level centralized care centers for the disabled and critically ill, 220 street-level elderly service centers, and 2,871 community elderly service stations. This marks the first step in building a foundational three-tier elderly care network in western and central regions.

At the community level, initiatives to revitalize underutilized assets have begun, combining reforms under the «Three Support Points, One Revitalization Point» strategy. The systematic use of 6.78 million square meters of idle community shops and kindergartens has facilitated the construction of elderly care complexes, senior dining halls, and universities for the elderly, allowing seniors to conveniently access care nearby.

At the household level, modifications to improve living conditions for the elderly have provided over 40,000 senior households with safety features such as handrails, grab bars, shower seats, and health monitoring devices. Fall prevention installations, emergency call devices, and home care services for over 8,000 mobility-impaired seniors have created a safe, comfortable, and barrier-free living environment.

This year, 1,227 old district renewal projects launched

For five consecutive years, old district renewal has been included in Chongqing’s key livelihood projects. Last year, the city initiated 2,620 new old district renewal projects, directly benefiting over 570,000 households. This year, the city is launching an additional 1,227 projects, allowing even more residents to benefit.

In the old district renewal process, Chongqing avoids a «one-size-fits-all» approach, instead creating tailored renewal plans for each district, using «custom-fit» strategies to precisely address pain points. To date, the city has repaired 17.05 million square meters of exterior walls, added over 63,000 new parking spaces, created

Chongqing Explores a Comprehensive Approach to Micro-Renovation to Advance the Renewal of Old Districts

Chongqing is implementing a comprehensive micro-renovation strategy to revitalize its old urban districts, focusing on small-scale, community-driven upgrades rather than large-scale redevelopment. This approach preserves historical and cultural elements while improving infrastructure, public spaces, and living conditions. The initiative reflects China’s broader urban renewal policies, aiming to balance modernization with heritage conservation in aging neighborhoods.

Chongqing Central Urban Area Renewal Plan

The **Chongqing Central Urban Area Renewal Plan** is a major urban redevelopment initiative aimed at modernizing the historic core of Chongqing while preserving its cultural heritage. Launched in recent years, the plan focuses on improving infrastructure, revitalizing old neighborhoods, and enhancing public spaces to balance economic growth with sustainable urban living. It reflects Chongqing’s rapid urbanization and efforts to transform into a global metropolis while maintaining its unique mountainous riverside character.

15-minute elderly care service circle

The «15-minute elderly care service circle» is a community-based initiative, primarily in China, designed to provide convenient and accessible care services for seniors within a 15-minute walking distance. It includes healthcare, meal delivery, social activities, and daily assistance, reflecting the government’s effort to address aging populations through localized support. Inspired by urban planning concepts like the «15-minute city,» it aims to enhance seniors’ quality of life by integrating essential services into neighborhoods.

Three Support Points, One Revitalization Point

«Three Support Points, One Revitalization Point» (三支点一振兴) is a development strategy in China, often associated with regional economic and cultural revitalization efforts. It typically refers to a framework where three key areas (such as industries, infrastructure, or cultural sites) are supported to drive the renewal of a broader region. The concept reflects China’s push for balanced growth, often applied to historically or economically significant areas needing targeted investment and preservation.

point-line-plane spatial renewal structure

The «point-line-plane spatial renewal structure» is an urban design concept that revitalizes urban spaces by strategically connecting key points (nodes), lines (paths), and planes (districts) to enhance functionality and aesthetics. Originating from modern architectural theory, it emphasizes transforming fragmented urban areas into cohesive, dynamic environments through layered spatial interventions. This approach has been applied in projects like urban renewals and cultural districts to foster sustainable development and community engagement.

52 district-level centralized care centers

The «52 district-level centralized care centers» refer to facilities established in China to provide shelter, medical care, and support for vulnerable groups, including the homeless and those in need. These centers were part of a broader social welfare initiative to improve living conditions and ensure basic needs are met. While specific historical details vary by location, they reflect the government’s efforts to modernize social assistance programs in recent decades.

220 street-level elderly service centers

«220 Street-Level Elderly Service Centers» are community-based facilities in China designed to support the elderly by providing daily care, health services, and social activities. Established as part of the government’s aging-care policies, these centers aim to address the needs of a growing elderly population, offering accessible and affordable services. They reflect China’s efforts to promote community-based elder care while easing pressure on traditional family support systems.

2,871 community elderly service stations

«2,871 Community Elderly Service Stations» refers to a network of facilities in China established to support the aging population by providing care, social activities, and health services. These stations, often government-backed, reflect China’s response to its rapidly growing elderly demographic and aim to promote aging in place. The initiative highlights efforts to improve seniors’ quality of life amid shifting family structures and urbanization.