More than 100,000 residents in Dongsheng district of Ordos city, North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, are benefiting from large-scale renovations that are transforming aging residential areas into safer, greener, and more livable communities.

"The neighborhood looks better, daily life is more convenient, and the environment feels completely renewed," said Li Rong, who has lived in Fuligong Community for over 20 years.

He recalled that before the renovation, the area suffered from damaged roads, peeling facades, scattered waste, and chaotic parking. "Now the roads are smooth, garbage is sorted, cars are neatly parked, heating systems have been upgraded, buildings are insulated, and elevators have been installed."

As the city's old urban core, Dongsheng has long faced challenges such as aging pipelines and inadequate infrastructure. Since 2020, the district has advanced old neighborhood renewal by establishing a dedicated task force, securing special funds, creating detailed project databases, and adopting an innovative financing model in which government subsidies cover 80 percent of costs and residents contribute the remaining 20 percent.

In 2023, Dongsheng launched a "complete community" development program that integrated neighborhood renewal with energy-efficiency upgrades and improved property management.

Yuying Community was selected as the first pilot site. Prior to construction, authorities conducted surveys and consultations with residents to ensure projects aligned with local needs and national standards.

The pilot delivered wide-ranging improvements, including elderly care facilities, a community health service center, and support services for people with disabilities. Idle spaces were converted into property service centers, childcare facilities, new-energy vehicle charging stations, and public parking areas, while additional green spaces, pedestrian paths, and fitness facilities were created.

Governance innovations have complemented physical upgrades. Yuying Community introduced a smart community platform covering more than 20 digital service scenarios, allowing residents to report issues via mobile apps and facilitating efficient data sharing for community management. A Party-led consultation mechanism has also been established, encouraging residents to participate in decision-making through regular forums.

By 2025, Dongsheng had completed renovation work in 28 additional communities, benefiting 7,076 households across 158 buildings, with a total renovated area of 773,600 square meters and an investment of about 118 million yuan ($16.86 million).