Hotspot | Half-Year Progress of National Old Residential Area Renovation Reaches 66% — Multiple Regions Exceed 80% in Commencement Rate

Prioritizing construction quality and safety, Zhejiang Province strictly implements responsibilities across all parties involved. It intensifies inspections and supervision on critical aspects such as pipeline works, roof waterproofing, key procedures, and regular checks. At the same time, it strengthens fire prevention measures by rigorously selecting insulation materials suitable for old residential areas to ensure residents' life and property safety.

Regarding project progress, all 585 urban districts in Hebei Province included in the renovation plan have now been fully launched. Guangxi’s autonomous region proposed advancing renovations with higher standards and accelerating project implementation.

To address shortcomings in old residential areas, Hangzhou City in Zhejiang Province reinforces the concept of 'comprehensive renovation once' and 'one district, one plan.' By meeting residents’ needs, tapping spatial potential, and promoting joint construction and governance, it aims to create high-quality, community-based living units. In Taian City, Shandong Province, exterior wall insulation using genuine stone wool and roof/wall waterproofing projects are being implemented; meanwhile, basic facility upgrades include paving sidewalks, upgrading power lines in storage rooms, and constructing rainwater diversion systems.

Old residential area renovation is a crucial lever for urban renewal. From strict quality control and faster progress to tailored solutions based on local conditions, these efforts not only modernize aging infrastructure and eliminate 'deficiencies,' but also build a solid safety foundation for residents’ lives. The dream of comfortable, safe housing is rapidly becoming reality.

The Huangjin Jinyu Building in Chang’an District, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, built in 1985, suffered long-term neglect leading to roof leaks. During renovation, the district prioritized waterproofing improvements and added insulation layers—effectively preventing rainwater infiltration and achieving energy-saving benefits, thus resolving residents’ health concerns. In Qingjiang District, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, four old residential communities—including workers’ housing and government-affiliated buildings—are undergoing synchronized renovations, primarily tackling issues like leaking roofs and wall seepage affecting public life.

Many old residential buildings feature complex wiring between floors and exposed, outdated infrastructure, posing hidden fire hazards. In Haixia District, Qinhuangdao, Hebei Province, a comprehensive cleanup of overhead 'spider webs' has been carried out. For eligible lines, an 'upgrade from below' approach was adopted, ensuring 'as much underground as possible, as little above ground as possible.'

To compensate for missing public spaces, Jian’ou City in Hangzhou renovated a 618-square-meter indoor activity room and a 1,876-square-meter outdoor square in the Jianshen New Village Community. These spaces have been transformed into high-quality, inclusive public areas, increasing resource utilization efficiency by 80% and benefiting over 3,200 residents.

Old residential area renovation is a people-centered livelihood project requiring problem-oriented precision policy. As demonstrated by various regions, the shift from 'government allocation' to 'public participation,' embracing both 'front door' and 'backyard' perspectives, integrates multiple resources to fill gaps. 'One district, one strategy' ensures renovation becomes a truly satisfying and heartwarming project for residents.

Hebei Province has mobilized multi-channel funding sources, actively securing central subsidies and increasing local fiscal investment. It legally and compliantly utilizes dedicated funds for municipal projects. Professional operating entities take responsibility for updating outdated water, electricity, gas, and heating networks, promoting social capital participation in renovating and operating various service facilities. Residents are encouraged to directly contribute or use (collect, recycle) special maintenance funds, and benefit from public resource revenue sharing to participate in renovation financing.

In Anhui Province, supported by dedicated fiscal grants, social forces and local residents actively participate in renovation efforts. A co-investment mechanism involving government, residents, and social organizations has been established. Financing mechanisms are customized to meet the unique characteristics of old residential area projects, optimizing financial support. Social capital—including infrastructure operators, original property rights holders, and development enterprises)—participates in renovation and earns stable returns through long-term operations.

Old residential area renovation is not just a livelihood project but a systemic endeavor. The practices in Hebei and Anhui demonstrate that funding mechanisms must balance fairness and efficiency—ensuring government support while activating social vitality. Future efforts will further explore an integrated 'renovation + operation' model, enhancing sustainability through public revenue feedback and other mechanisms.

Source / China Construction News