Guangzhou plans to transform timeworn residential communities

The Guangzhou municipal government has recently set out its plan to renew the city's environment in 2018.

The plan has listed a total of 223 official projects, which are expected to occupy a total area of 42.95 square kilometers. At least 200 old and time-worn residential communities will be transformed by the end of 2018.

The plan points out that by renewing the city's environment, Guangzhou can make better use of empty plots of land for construction, improve residential environments, preserve historic and cultural heritage, improve residents' quality of life, and support the city's development strategy to build itself as a national hub city.

Guangzhou performed well in terms of city renewal during the year of 2017. In December 2017, Guangzhou was designated by China's Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development as one of the 15 demonstration cities nationwide for old and time-worn residential community transformation. Guangzhou is the only first-tier city to be tasked with exploring new modes for transformation and to share successful experiences in this regard.

The thorough transformation of 17 urban villages

Guangzhou plans to allocate 350 million yuan ($ 55.4 million) towards city renewal projects, 66 percent of which will be spent on transforming old and time-worn residential communities, and 47.5 percent of which will be spent on projects located in the Yuexiu, Haizhu, and Liwan districts.

Compared to city renewal efforts from the previous year, the plan guarantees the protection of people's livelihoods and promises to narrow the gap between rural-urban development. There are 165 transformation projects on old and time-worn residential communities, which cover 22.32 square kilometers, and 17 thorough transformation projects on urban villages, which cover 17.74 square kilometers. These transformations will help to improve living standards and service operations in communities as well as eliminate any building safety hazards.

Abandoned railway lines in Liwan district will become cultural corridors

According to the plan, Guangzhou will also transform deserted railway lines in the downtown area.

As one of China's four most important railway hubs, Guangzhou has as many as 73 railway lines passing through its eight downtown districts. Among them, 18 lines that stretch 35 kilometers are essentially disused now. Most of these deserted lines occupy optimal locations in the city and have a huge potential to be turned into better developments.

Guangzhou plans to build non-motorized transportation zones along these deserted railway lines, turn obsolete industrial facilities along them into cultural corridors, and improve irrigation systems and nighttime scenery in the neighboring area.

The transformation of the abandoned one-kilometer-long railway line to the south of Xichang underground station has been chosen as a demonstration project with a total investment of 34 million yuan, aiming to turn its 5.7-hectare neighboring area into public spaces and gardens within two years.

Build two non-motorized transportation systems through micro-level transformations

Another feature of the plan is the establishment of two non-motorized transportation systems through micro-level transformations.

One such system is a non-motorized transportation network that will cover 20 hectares in the old town of Guangzhou, connecting ten cultural tourism spots such as the Chen Clan Academy, Cantonese Opera Art Museum,  qilou streets, and Shamian Island. The pedestrian pathways, business plazas, squares, underground spaces, and corridors within the area will be upgraded to accommodate up to 100,000 tourists per day. Once established, people will be able to stroll around Guangzhou's old town with greater ease.

The other system is focused in the northern outskirts of the city to boost the rural tourism industry. The non-motorized transportation network in Conghua district will connect 76 villages, seven natural scenery areas, six characteristic little towns, and 12 cultural sites under government protection, making it possible for travelers to conveniently ride or walk through the whole area.