Shanghai unveils book series featuring "a City for the People"

Xu Zhihu, Director of the Shanghai Urban Management and Law Enforcement Bureau, and Tian Zhe, Deputy Head of Shanghai's Fengxian District, presented a new book series titled Explorations and Practices of Shanghai in Building 'A City for the People' in the New Era during the Inheriting Historical Context & Building Sci-Tech New City forum, a segment of the World Cities Day China Observance. The collection of five volumes reveals Shanghai's approach—commonly recognized as "Shanghai wisdom" and the "Shanghai model"— to cultivating a metropolis that serves its inhabitants' needs.

Reflecting on the commitment to citizens' needs

This series marks the third publication initiative undertaken by Shanghai to articulate its ethos of creating urban environments centering on the residents. These efforts align with the 2020 cooperative agreement between the Shanghai Municipal Peoples' Government and the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development aiming to serve as a paradigm for the delicate construction and management of large urban centers. The Shanghai Housing and Urban-Rural Development Commission previously released four other books on the topic in 2021 and 2022.

Diverse themes characterizing urban progress

Delineating a multitude of urban concerns, the series delves into public transportation, river and lake chief mechanisms, waste management, citywide law enforcement, and affordable rental housing. Each book encapsulates the intricacies and accomplishments in its respective focus area.

The section of Public Transportation in Shanghai: The Direction of Modern City Development brings into the spotlight Shanghai's public transportation advancements. More than 70 dialogues with individuals from varied sectors—including traffic authorities, businesses, not-for-profit organizations, the academic circle, research bodies and communities—paint a detailed picture of progress in this domain.

The River and Lake Chief Mechanisms: Each River Will Have a Chief offers readers an integrated view of Shanghai's initiative to safeguard water resources, environment, ecosystems, and cultural heritage through dedicated governance represented by the river and lake chief systems, complemented by a series of interviews and illustrative photographs.

Waste Sorting: Leading a Low-carbon Life adeptly combines theoretical perspectives and compelling narratives to retrospectively examine Shanghai's waste segregation endeavors aimed at cultivating a more sustainable lifestyle.
Comprehensive Law Enforcement for Urban Management: First-class Management for First-class City chronicles the transformation of Shanghai's urban management law enforcement and highlights the resulting enhanced sense of well-being and happiness among its residents.

Indemnificatory Rental Housing: Addressing the Residential Needs of Newcomers and the Youth offers an in-depth exploration of Shanghai's strategy in providing affordable housing options. The book elucidates the origins, growth and practicalities of the city's program to conveniently house individuals new to the city and the younger generation.

Through these works, Shanghai communicates its multifaceted approach to urban development. Each book serves as a testament to the city's relentless pursuit of excellence in urban living, reflecting its enduring commitment to fostering environments 'for the people'.