(Photo provided to Xinhua Daily)
Nanjing has completed the renovation of 180 old lanes and streets this year. Both residents and visitors are drawn to these streets, which serve as living museums encapsulating the history and culture of the area and also cater to modern life needs.
On October 27, the refurbished Lele Street in the commercial area near Nanjing South Railway Station opened to the public. With a large "smiley face” painted on the ground, the street offers a neat and vibrant atmosphere with special booths, small open-air concerts, a vintage train car, and old-fashioned station signs that provide perfect photo opportunities.
Previously, the 350-meter-long street was cluttered and disorganized shared by pedestrians and vehicles alike. “The urban regeneration has transformed it into a pedestrian-only street and has also incorporated elements central to the city’s identity through upgraded signs and facilities,” said designer Zhang Hongwen.
Wang Jingyu, deputy director of Nanjing’s Urban Management Bureau, said the revitalization efforts include the removal of illegal outdoor advertising, decoration of walls and fences, regulation of storefront signs and car parking, and streetscape improvement. Customized designs have played a critical role in the renovation process of old lanes and streets.
Since 2020, Nanjing has renovated 780 backstreets and alleys. Lanqi Street in Qinhuai District is home to 90 stores and more than 10,000 residents. The 1,000-meter-long street was previously in disrepair, inconsistent with the area’s development goal to become a tech startup hub.
Local urban management officer Yan Zhengfu said that an important objective of the renovation is to align the area’s historical heritage with the development blueprint.
Nanjing has categorized its 2,611 streets and alleys into four types - traffic, living, business and tourist attractions, and implemented detailed measures for management. The city plans to renovate an additional 200 backstreets next year and coordinate the building of more beautiful neighborhoods.
