Quality of life put first to bring residents joy

Three uniquely shaped buildings stand on Shishan Culture Square in Suzhou city, exuding tranquility, elegance, vibrancy and a sense of the future.

Suzhou Museum West received more than 2.07 million visits to its temporary exhibitions and cultural activities in 2024, while Suzhou Shishan Grand Theatre has hosted 46 performances, including musicals such as The Phantom of the Opera and popular dance dramas since its official opening on Aug 31.Meanwhile, the science and technology and industrial exhibition building is expected to bring high-quality artistic enjoyment to residents in Suzhou and its surrounding areas, driving cultural consumption in the Yangtze River Delta region.

As night falls, the three buildings present light shows on four themes amid the square that is beautifully decorated. From the square to Shishan Road, the scene is bustling and the lights dazzling. Suzhou New District plans to build the square into a city lights landmark with high standards.

Urban renewal is connected to both the city's development and the well-being of local residents.

Recently, upgrades to a housing development in the district's Shishan and Hengtang subdistrict received praise from residents. Four different types of parks were constructed; two activity rooms, seating, fitness facilities and 2,800 non-motorized vehicle parking spaces were added; and 140 charging piles for new energy vehicles are planned. The changes have made the housing development a demonstration area in the city.

Stepping out of the development, a kindergarten and schools are within easy reach. The nearby farm produce market has been transformed and the Zhuangyuantai Park, evaluated as one of the most beautiful pocket parks in Suzhou for 2023, is just a few hundred meters away.

In recent years, the Shishan and Hengtang subdistrict has made efforts to offer a diverse and high-quality environment for residents. In 2024, the subdistrict improved 19 resettlement housing developments and 14 old housing developments, built three characteristic pocket parks and completed the construction of two community service centers.

From ensuring residents' safety and public order at the construction level to comprehensively enhancing social governance capabilities at the management level, practical measures and beneficent projects are gradually being implemented in the subdistrict. They are helping to beautify the city, optimize urban services and create a "happy land" in the new district and even the city.