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E-mail China.org.cn, July 5, 2024
Xinhua News Agency:
Chongqing is unique as the only municipality directly under the central government in China's central and western regions. It is also the largest city in terms of administrative area and population. Could you please tell us what measures Chongqing has taken to explore the modern governance of a megacity and in which areas it will continue to focus its efforts? Thank you!
Hu Henghua:
Thank you for your questions. Some say that Chongqing is "a city with 1,000 faces" and I think that's precisely where its charm lies. Chongqing is a city nestled among mountains and rivers, with the Yangtze and Jialing rivers flowing through it. The Jinyun, Zhongliang, Tongluo, and Mingyue Mountains divide the city into three major valleys, creating a cityscape that blends seamlessly with mountains and rivers. Chongqing is a megacity, spanning 82,400 square kilometers, with a permanent population of 32 million. The population of its central urban area alone exceeds 10 million. Chongqing is also a hub city where multiple functions converge and various resources and elements are distributed, adding to the complexity of urban governance.
The core of a city is its people, encapsulated by these words: "clothing, food, housing, transportation, birth, aging, illness, death, and enjoying peace and contentment in work and life." We adhere to the concept of a people-oriented city, striving to ensure that urban development always considers people and that urban governance serves the people. For example, in urban transportation, we prioritize solving the difficulties people face in commuting. The terrain and topography of Chongqing's central urban area are so complex that residents have to navigate slopes and obstacles. That's quite inconvenient. We vigorously develop public transportation, with priority given to buses and pedestrians. Over the years, we have built 13 urban rail lines totaling 538 kilometers, tailored 592 shuttle bus routes, 58 alley bus routes, and 23 bus routes for older people. Many residents can take the subway or catch a bus at their doorstep. Currently, Chongqing sees over 7 million passenger trips made daily on its public transportation network. Another example is urban renewal, where we have proposed a "four increases, three decreases" management approach. The "four increases" involve expanding public spaces, enhancing transportation facilities, adding municipal facilities, and increasing public green spaces; the "three decreases" involve reducing population density, building height, and development intensity. In recent years, we have renovated over 7,200 old residential communities, improved over 8,900 community service facilities for older people and children, and installed over 5,500 additional elevators. Several old neighborhoods and communities have been revitalized, with renovation projects like Minzhu Village and Beicangli successfully gaining widespread recognition and becoming popular spots for residents and tourists.
Going forward, we will actively explore new approaches to modern governance of a megacity. We will establish and improve a comprehensive and integrated urban governance system and mechanism, breaking down departmental barriers and strengthening coordinated, efficient governance. We will accelerate the construction of a smart city and enhance the practical capabilities of digital urban operation and governance centers. Additionally, we will strengthen the foundational role of subdistricts and communities, fully mobilizing citizens' enthusiasm for participating in urban governance and creating a favorable atmosphere where everyone participates, contributes, and benefits. We aim to build a livable, resilient, and smart international metropolis. Thank you!
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