China pushes ahead with urban renewal to upgrade city life, unlock growth potential

In Nanjing’s Shiliu New Village, a long-neglected 1950s residential compound has been rebuilt from the ground up, addressing issues such as small living spaces, leaking roofs, and lack of indoor toilets for about 1,500 residents. The project completed its first phase of 282 units last year and now includes elevators, independent kitchens, bathrooms and balconies, smart security systems, fire safety equipment, and barrier-free ramps, plus underground parking, community commercial space, greenery, and recreation plazas. The broader shift reflects China’s move from large-scale expansion to upgrading aging housing, supported by 97 billion yuan in the 2026 budget.