Have you ever wondered how Shanghai’s old lanes went from carting “night soil buckets” 🚽 to sleek, modern neighborhoods? Let’s dive into the city’s people-centered lane renewal—a blend of smart design and respect for history.
Shanghai, a skyscraper-filled global hub, launched a major push to upgrade its aging communities. The goal? Fix long-standing issues like communal toilets and poor drainage in heritage lanes built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, without losing their unique charm.
Key to this success is the “micro-renovation” strategy: small, precise fixes instead of total tear-downs. Think “one policy for one district, one plan for one project, one file for one household.” 🗂️ Local teams assess each building, preserve red-brick walls and wooden windows, and discreetly upgrade pipes underground to avoid digging up the streets.
Modern comforts also get a style makeover. Integrated sanitary units—combining toilets, sinks, and showers—went into Pudong’s Chuansha New Town, finally ditching those daily bucket runs. Advanced materials improve sound and heat insulation, while new street lamps and bins match the vintage vibe.
Residents aren’t just bystanders. Public workshops gather feedback before work begins, and neighbors help supervise quality checks. This community-first approach boosts everyone’s sense of ownership and belonging. 🤝
By late 2025, all of Shanghai’s Grade-II lanes were upgraded, and over 14,000 households got tailor-made support. The result? Seamless living in areas where history and modernity walk hand in hand.
On World Cities Day 2025, Shanghai showcased these lane upgrades to highlight the Chinese mainland’s approach to building people-centered smart cities. 🌍
Shanghai’s model shows that smart cities can be truly people-centered—no night buckets required. It’s proof that we can honor our past while stepping boldly into the future. 💡
Reference(s):
How Shanghai follows a 'people-centered city' approach to lane renewal
cgtn.com
