Shanghai Leads Heritage-Focused Urban Renewal

Shanghai’s approach to balancing heritage preservation with urban renewal offers a model for cities across China, ensuring improved livelihoods while protecting cultural legacy, according to Wang Congchun, vice president of Shanghai University and head of the Shanghai Institute of Urban Regeneration and Sustainability, speaking to Xinhua News Agency.

Speaking on the China Economic Roundtable, Wang highlighted the challenges of implementing such projects in Shanghai, where limited space and complex coordination demand robust local governance and resilient execution.

Shanghai’s strategy of “setting rules before discussing renovation” has proven effective, serving as a model nationwide. Beyond building repairs, the city actively integrates the historical and cultural significance of old neighborhoods into redevelopment plans, respecting residents’ wishes throughout the process.

Wang added that future urban renewal should continue prioritizing improved living conditions while strengthening institutional support and fostering innovative mechanisms to sustain heritage-friendly development.