Urban renewal projects reshape old facilities in Chinese cities, help boost cultural spending

Urban renewal projects across many Chinese cities are breathing new life to urban landscape through creatively transforming once-neglected facilities or redesigning plants, introducing new experiences in culture, leisure, and consumption.

In Longgang City of east China's Zhejiang Province, a water tower-turned reading hub has drawn flocks of visitors. The space buzzes with activity at night: in one corner, children are enthusiastically participating in a hands-on science workshop.

"The kids love these activities. They can get involved," said a resident surnamed Yu.

Reborn from an abandoned tower at an old water plant, the reading hub blends industrial heritage with contemporary design. Elements like old water taps, pipes, and meters preserve the style of the original facility, while transparent glass structures and cozy interiors offer a stylish, inviting space for readers.

Since opening, the venue has attracted 200,000 visitors and helped generate more than 30 million yuan (around 4.2 million U.S. dollars) in consumer spending.

"The Longyue Road Water Tower witnessed Longgang's early development. By transforming it into a reading hub, we can preserve the city's memory and give it a new cultural function. We revitalize the once-deserted site, making it a vibrant urban landmark," said Zhang Shenglun, deputy head of Longgang's Natural Resources and Urban Planning Bureau.

Meanwhile in Shaba District of southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, an underground wastewater treatment facility is cleverly hidden beneath a lush city park. Located 16 meters beneath the ground, the plant processes the domestic sewage of tens of thousands of nearby residents.

"The park's green lawn helps absorb rainwater and recharge groundwater. This design not only prevents flooding but also enables rainwater reuse. Treated wastewater is returned to local rivers, creating a sustainable cycle, which ensures the water can be processed, reused and end up back to nature," said Wang Tao with China Construction Third Engineering Bureau Co., Ltd, Chongqing Branch.

So far, Chongqing has completed nine underground or semi-underground wastewater treatment plants where effective pollution control operates below ground while vibrant leisure spaces remain flourishing above.

Urban renewal projects reshape old facilities in Chinese cities, help boost cultural spending

The multilateral system is "under attack" amid global turmoil, President of the 80th UN General Assembly Annalena Baerbock warned in her remarks on Wednesday.

In her briefing on the priorities for the resumed 80th Session of the General Assembly, the UNGA president noted that the current multilateral system does not collapse all in a sudden, but "crumbles piece by piece" in divisions, compromises, and lack of political commitment.

The president called all the UN member states to defend the UN Charter and international law and promote cross-regional cooperation.

She also urged to push forward the work of the UNGA on certain critical issues with a strong majority, rather than an absolute consensus among all member states. Such act is not a failure of multilateralism, but "an affirmation of it," she said.

The foundational principles of the institution should not be eroded by appeasement, she said, calling the member states to show courage, leadership, and responsibility at the UN's "critical make-or-break moment."

"The UN needs you. Your support, your leadership, your principle, stand, your cross-regional cooperation, if we are to preserve and modernize this institution, if we are to make it, rather than break it," she said.

UNGA President warns global multilateral system "under attack"

UNGA President warns global multilateral system "under attack"