Shanghai's alleyways: Urban renewal for the people
Shanghai's modern skyline once stood beside old alleyways, where residents faced the hardship of carrying chamber pots through narrow lanes. In 2007, Xi Jinping, then working in Shanghai, called for persistent efforts to advance urban renewal, saying residents should no longer live in such poor conditions. Since then, he has continued to place urban renewal high on the agenda, urging efforts to make cities more livable and people-centered.
By 2025, Shanghai completed the final stage of its "chamber pot" renovation, improving living conditions for millions of residents. The city's decades-long renewal journey shows that true governance performance lies in addressing people's concerns and turning their aspirations for a better life into reality.
