Across China: Urban renovation revitalizes Chongqing's century-old block
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E-mail Xinhua, August 08, 2024
CHONGQING, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- Perched on a sloping hillside in the heart of the southwestern Chinese city of Chongqing, Xiahaoli block in the bustling Nan'an District witnessed the city's past glory.
As Chongqing opened its port in 1891, Longmenhao, where Xiahaoli block is nestled, was a prominent gathering place for foreign business people and one of the earliest to be exposed to Western culture. Xiahaoli, too, naturally gained fame, with architecture absorbing Western elements still seen today.
But as time passed by, Xiahaoli gradually faded from people's vision, leaving an almost forgotten neighborhood dotted with dilapidated houses that people were eager to escape from.
In the early 21st Century, the whole area around Xiahaoli was messy and chaotic, with numerous homes unsafe for habitation, recalled a staffer with Nan'an District's housing and urban-rural development commission.
"Residents were constantly anxious: Dreading the collapse of their homes during rainstorms and the threat of fires on clear days. The disrepair made it a shantytown notorious for its safety risks," the staffer added.
Rather than leaving the old block's future to fate, local authorities decided to revive it.
Relying on real estate development could be a shortcut for quick money, but local authorities chose to develop the block into a cultural tourism destination by making good use of its rich history, profound culture and unique geographical conditions.
After relocating residents, a professional company was contracted to carry out conservation-oriented development and operation of the area.
The government set simple and clear rules: Avoid large-scale demolition and construction. The initiative should focus on reinforcing and renovating the existing houses, streets, improving essential infrastructure, infusing modernity while preserving the authentic charm and nostalgia of the old block.
Since 2016, a total of 85 buildings have been renovated under these principles, noted Lu Dianming, deputy director of Nan'an District's culture and tourism department.
Renovation of the old block fully respected its original layout, noted Wang Shihan, who is in charge of Xiahaoli's marketing affairs.
"Each of the old lanes is 3 to 5 meters wide, with buildings mostly two or three stories high. Old blue bricks, gray tiles, green stone slabs, and even abandoned millstones have been retained on a best-effort basis, preserving the traditional charm of the zigzagging old street," Wang added.
"Since the opening of the new Xiahaoli block in November 2022, 110 new businesses have moved in, bringing occupancy up to 90 percent," said Liu Jiangyong, deputy director of Nan'an District's commerce commission.
The new Xiahaoli block organically integrates cultural and artistic content with new consumer brands and has been turned into a vigorous business complex where novel business formats continuously spring up.
Activities such as tea tasting and art exhibitions, and pop-up stores are held in different seasons, giving the old street unfailing allure and vitality. The block has now become a landmark of fashion and a living chronicle of old-time Chongqing.
In the first half of this year, Xiahaoli received an average of 10,000 tourists per day, with a cumulative turnover of 21.48 million yuan (about 3 million U.S. dollars).
Running an art store, Yi Jie is content with his business. "Many of my artist friends consign their works in my store," Yi said. "Ever since we opened our doors, the store's been making money, and on our really busy days, we get more than a thousand customers through our doors."
Wang noted that there are many unique shops in Xiahaoli. "The initial vision for transforming the old block was to combine urbanity with contemporary art. This is achieved by harnessing the creativity of young entrepreneurs to breathe new life into the old block," Wang added.
As the pace of urbanization quickens across China, there has been a growing yearning for the sentimentality of years gone by. Historical districts and cultural landmarks are becoming increasingly sought-after tourist destinations. Many old neighborhoods, steeped in rich history and culture, have undergone transformations. However, some have faced criticism for becoming too commercialized and losing their unique character. This is what authorities in Xiahaoli have been trying to avoid.
The resolution adopted at the third plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China Central Committee highlighted that Chinese modernization is the modernization of material and cultural-ethical advancement, and China will work to boost cultural confidence and carry forward fine traditional Chinese culture.
Old blocks like Xiahaoli are the soul of a city, reflecting its evolution and the unchanging essence that binds its inhabitants together. Xiahaoli's successful transformation is also an example of how effective collaboration between the market and government bears win-win results in passing on the cultural essence while embracing modern trends.
"Here the traditional street life merges naturally with new consumption trends, which has given this century-old block a new lease on life," Lu added. Enditem
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