Chongqing teahouses revitalize old community

In recent years, the local government has prioritized the community's transformation as a key social project — supporting the community in enhancing infrastructure development, separating rainwater and sewage, constructing paved roads and establishing greenbelts. Furthermore, 26 public spaces have been created on unused land, featuring facilities such as teahouses, volunteer stations and service centers.

To enhance space utilization and cater to the cultural needs of its residents, in 2015 the community established Weiyi Workshop, or "small benefits" in English, fostering 47 social organizations including art troupes, postage stamp collector associations, handicraft workshops, and calligraphy and painting societies, with over 6,000 volunteers participating in activities.

The community has received several national honors in recent years, including for National Model Harmonious Community and National Best Community Volunteer Service. Its practice was listed as one of the top 10 innovative examples of social governance in China in 2017.

Since 2013, Nan'an has revitalized nearly 70 old residential communities. This extensive effort has benefited over 30,000 families and about 80,000 residents, significantly enhancing their living conditions and surroundings.

Nationwide, China has invested 2.6 trillion yuan in over 66,000 projects designed to renovate urban infrastructure, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development said in July.

The ministry called on local governments to improve management models to achieve sustainable development in urban renewal projects, and will launch pilot projects and guide local governments in implementing the initiative in light of local conditions.

The Ministry of Natural Resources recently issued a notice to support the renovation of old residential communities, calling for the fine-tuning of land-use policies and streamlining of approval procedures.