Huangpu makes strides in protection, utilization of historical sites

The century-old Nanchang Road in Huangpu district, East China's Shanghai has adopted a new look thanks to the local government's efforts to improve the protection, management and utilization of the district's historical sites and old buildings.

The Huangpu government has rolled out a three-year action plan in 2018 to restore the Hengfu historical and cultural area, which has a history dating back to the time when Shanghai opened its port to foreign trade in the 1900s. The zone has many old buildings, some of which were once homes to well-known figures. The local government's efforts have proved successful by giving historical buildings a new look while retaining their original essence.

Ren Hao, a native of Nanchang Road, said that the area used to have outdated infrastructure and hidden safety hazards. The improvements have increased the living standards of local residents.

The local government has also launched tailor-made measures to improve the living environment for the elderly.

New management models adopting a system of community-level self-governance, have encouraged all residents living in the area to take part in the protection and management of old buildings.

More cultural and tourism landmarks have also been built, in an effort to develop Nanchang Road into a comfortable place to live.