Before and after: Hunan urban renewal greatly enhances residents' lives

Over the past years, the cities of Changsha, Zhuzhou, Xiangtan in Hunan province have taken measures to renew their urban surroundings, including historic district protection, shantytown transformation, and old community renovation, as well as urban village renovation.

Changsha has so far rebuilt 18.97 million square meters of shantytowns, enabling nearly 400,000 local residents to live in new houses. The renovation and renewal work were carried out in 29 urban villages, 225 old residential areas, 1,963 dilapidated houses in the central downtown area and 14 historic districts. A total of 69.5 kilometers of footpaths were constructed along historic and cultural attractions.

In order to improve the convenience and well-being of residents, about 240 farmers’ markets and fresh produce stores were renovated and expanded in Changsha from 2018 to 2020. There were also 104,000 parking points, plenty of pavement, bicycle paths and fitness paths newly built in the city.  

During the 13th Five -Year Plan period (2016-20), Zhuzhou rebuilt 84,700 households in shantytowns and installed elevators for more than 150 communities, improving life for over 12,000 families.

During the same period, Xiangtan has also renovated shantytowns and old communities, benefiting over 100,000 families.

Middle Caie Road, Furong district, Changsha.