The Renfengli historical and cultural block in Yangzhou (CFP Photo)

Jiangsu has named 48 renovation projects including the protection of the Pukou Railway Station in Nanjing City as the first batch of province-level urban renewal pilot initiatives, according to the province’s Department of Housing and Urban-Rural Development on Sep 6.

These projects span from improvement of old residential buildings to enhancement of vitality at underperforming industrial land, preservation of historical and cultural heritage, and ecological restoration of urban space.

The urban renewal projects aim to meet the needs of the public and boost the site’s development. The province has built well-known projects such as Nanjing’s Xiaoxihu area and Suzhou’s preservation of its ancient city zone. The Renfengli historical and cultural block in Yangzhou, already an instagrammable venue, will move to the Phase II renewal, which will highlight the intangible cultural heritage, maintain the unique fish-bone spatial layout and bring to life the legacies. Furthermore, this project will encourage the public participation and support the opening of studios named after cultural celebrities.

Such regeneration efforts are also underway in Yancheng City. Lianyungang’s urban renewal has featured the greening and landscaping efforts along its 126km of coastal road, in an effort to create a top scenic belt in China.

Amid urban renewal efforts, Jiangsu has also encouraged the establishment of special funds and the issuance of special bonds to expand financing channels.