China's urban renewal projects directly benefit over 100 mln people: CPPCC member

China's ongoing urban renewal projects have helped benefit more than 100 million people in residential communities across the nation in recent years, said Zhou Lan, a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in Beijing on Tuesday.

Zhou was speaking during a group interview ahead of the opening meeting of the third session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee at the Great Hall of the People.

As part of its urban renewal initiatives, China has been renovating old urban residential communities across the country since 2019, with these efforts improving local living conditions for more than 100 million residents, according to Zhou.

"As of now, more than 66,000 urban renewal projects have been implemented nationwide, renovating 250,000 old residential communities and directly benefiting over 100 million people," she said.

China's Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development has previously said that work will continue in the construction and renovation of underground tunnels, the renewal of municipal facilities, urban household waste classification, and the building of pocket parks and urban greenways, as well as the construction of elderly care facilities and child-friendly spaces in urban residential areas.

The ministry said it will also promote the development of digital homes, smart residential areas, intelligent housing construction management, urban operation management service platforms, and intelligent municipal facilities.

When it comes to the planning of such projects, Zhou stressed the important role of collaborating with both public and market entities in order to deliver the necessary changes to benefit local people and improve urban areas.

"When formulating urban renewal plans, the government should actively engage the public and market entities to raise opinions, express needs and offer suggestions. This helps identify pressing public difficulties and problems, real social demands and the region's sustainable development positioning," she said.

China's urban renewal projects directly benefit over 100 mln people: CPPCC member

As the Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year, approaches on February 17, festive decor lights up cities and regions across China along with cultural shows and consumer events.

Chang'an Avenue, the main thoroughfare of Beijing, capital of China, is beautifully embellished with eco-friendly lanterns boasting an impressive 90 percent reuse rate, highlighting a commitment to sustainability.

In Baoqing County, in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, a charming ski town is welcoming Russian tourists from across the border to a vibrant New Year fair, offering them a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Chinese culture.

Business districts in Guangzhou City, in southern China's Guangdong Province, have adorned their streets with 5,000 lanterns themed with the Year of the Horse. They are showcasing captivating Hanfu performances, celebrating traditional Chinese culture and adding a festive flair to the atmosphere.

Xuan'en City, located in Central China's Hubei province, has established traditional Tujia light displays.

Meanwhile, other places in China including Jiangsu Province and Chongqing Municipality have enhanced the holiday spirit with vibrant folk and flower markets.

Cultural events, shopping fairs, festive decor seen across China as Spring Festival approaches