China spends big on urban renewal in 2025

BEIJING -- China has made solid progress in promoting urban renewal work in 2025 amid the nation's continued efforts to make its cities greener and more livable.

According to data released Wednesday by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, the country invested a total of 133.2 billion yuan (about $19.1 billion) last year on the renovation of 27,100 old urban residential communities, benefiting 4.99 million households.

Key highlights in urban renewal last year included the installation of 14,000 elevators in old residential buildings, easing mobility for over 4.7 million residents, and the establishment of more than 4,700 pocket parks, small recreational spaces created for urban communities, according to ministry data.

The data also showed that more than 5,800 kilometers of urban greenways were constructed last year, while 156,000 kilometers of underground pipelines were built or renovated.

According to the ministry, efforts will continue in 2026 to advance the renovation of old urban residential communities, build more pocket parks, expand shared green spaces, and enhance the quality of age-friendly environments.

The Chinese government attaches great importance to urban renewal work for its social and economic impact. According to the Central Urban Work Conference held in July 2025, urban renewal should be an important lever to optimize urban structures, transform growth drivers, improve quality of life, advance green development, preserve cultural heritage, and enhance governance efficiency.