The integration of ecological restoration with urban renewal has been a key focus in recent years. In Zhangzhou, Fujian province, the Longjiang Suiyue project along the south bank of the Jiulong River's West Stream has transformed former tidal flats into a vibrant green waterfront, creating popular spaces for residents and visitors alike.

Similarly, Hefei in Anhui province has leveraged urban renewal initiatives to revitalize its historic districts, carefully balancing the preservation of old-town character with the infusion of modern vitality to meet the evolving needs of its citizens.

In a recent policy briefing, officials from the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development and three other departments provided details on China's first national-level special plan for urban renewal, outlining its goals, policy measures, and responses to public concerns.

Charting the Course for Urban Enhancement

As China's urbanization shifts from rapid growth to stable development, the focus of urban development is moving from large-scale expansion to improving the quality and efficiency of existing urban stock. The plan establishes a clear timeline, objectives, and roadmap, featuring 10 key indicators, 23 major tasks, policy measures across seven areas, and 14 significant projects and actions.

The plan is centered on improving public welfare, setting 10 indicators related to housing quality, public services, living environments, and infrastructure. It aligns with the goals of building modern, innovative, livable, beautiful, resilient, culturally rich, and smart cities, deploying key tasks across six areas.

Over the plan period, a series of projects focused on people's livelihoods, development, and safety will be implemented. Livelihood projects will prioritize quality housing construction, the ongoing renovation of old urban residential communities, and the development of integrated communities to enhance public service quality. Development projects will aim to boost urban vitality by revitalizing underutilized resources and upgrading old streets and industrial areas to create space for new industries and business models. Safety projects will focus on renovating dilapidated housing and urban villages, upgrading urban infrastructure, and improving risk prevention and emergency response capabilities.

Underground utility networks are critical to urban operations. The plan includes the renovation and construction of approximately 770,000 kilometers of such networks, covering gas, drainage, water supply, sewage, and heating pipelines. This initiative is expected to enhance urban safety and resilience while also driving effective investment.

Securing Resources to Overcome Renewal Challenges

Financing the substantial investment required for urban renewal is a major concern. Starting in 2024, central government support has been initiated for pilot programs in selected key cities, with plans to support 50 cities over three years through fixed-amount subsidies. Central fiscal support will remain significant during the plan period, with continuous optimization of policy design to improve fund utilization efficiency.

In 2026, a central budget investment of 97 billion yuan is earmarked for urban renewal, primarily supporting the renovation of old urban communities and dilapidated urban housing, benefiting approximately 8 million households. Additionally, 160 billion yuan from ultra-long-term special government bonds will be allocated for the construction and renovation of underground pipelines for gas, drainage, water supply, and heating, representing an increase of 25 billion yuan from the previous year.

Priority will be given to projects related to public safety and livelihood security, while support will also be coordinated for development-oriented projects like the renovation of old streets and industrial areas. Innovative investment and financing mechanisms will be encouraged to promote private sector participation in urban infrastructure construction and operation.

Activating underutilized land and spatial resources is a core task of urban renewal. This involves conducting a comprehensive inventory of urban assets and resources. By establishing an integrated natural resource management and territorial spatial planning system, authorities aim to strengthen the management of existing resources throughout their lifecycle, improve inter-departmental data sharing, and effectively utilize these assets to revitalize cities.

Preserving Heritage and Improving Governance for Urban Vitality

Historical and cultural heritage forms the soul and unique charm of a city. Protecting and inheriting this heritage during urban renewal is a paramount responsibility. Measures must be taken to strengthen the protection of historical and cultural assets throughout all stages of the renewal process, adhering to the principle of protection first, comprehensive safeguarding, and promoting protection through utilization.

Specific measures include continuing resource surveys to identify and document historical and cultural blocks, historic areas, and architectural heritage. Efforts will focus on holistic protection and the implementation of improvement projects for nationally designated historic and cultural cities and blocks, establishing resident-led protection mechanisms that enhance safety and infrastructure while preserving historical character. Furthermore, the adaptive reuse of immovable cultural relics, historic buildings, industrial heritage, and historic areas will be promoted to introduce new business models and inject cultural energy into urban development.

Enhancing urban governance capacity is another key task. This involves improving urban governance systems, leveraging coordination platforms, and refining mechanisms for the participation of residents, businesses, mass organizations, and social groups. Community service mechanisms will be enhanced by strengthening the role of Party building in guiding grassroots governance, shifting governance focus and resources to the community level, and deepening the integration of urban management into communities. The goal is to promote smarter and more refined urban governance.