Summary of Key Points
This article highlights the common issues in the renovation of old cities in China: many places, in pursuit of "modernization" or following internet celebrity trends, have demolished and uniformly painted historical districts, resulting in the loss of their original character and vitality, which has caused dissatisfaction among residents and tourists. It also discusses successful experiences from some cities (such as Quanzhou and Nanjing) and abroad (such as Japan), as well as national policies that restrict such extensive renovations. The article argues that old city renovations should preserve traces of daily life and respect the needs of residents, rather than being turned into "one-time sets."
Detailed Analysis
1. **Aesthetic Disparity: Leaders Want Cleanliness, Residents Want Memories**
The controversy surrounding the renovation of Zhongshan Road in Qingdao reflects a conflict between the aesthetics of decision-makers and the emotional connections of residents. To leaders, uniform light gray facades, neat storefronts, and absence of clutter are signs of successful renovation—these aspects reflect the effectiveness of spending public funds. However, residents miss the mottled walls, green plants on balconies, and childhood memories associated with the old streets, feeling that the renovated area looks more like a "internet celebrity-style make-up" for an 80-year-old woman, losing the essence of home. The root of this disparity lies in the fact that renovations prioritize meeting engineering standards (what leaders can see as cleanliness) rather than enhancing the quality of residents' lives.
2. **Imitating Trends: Are Pre-made Templates Effective?**
Many places follow a "copy and paste" approach to renovation: if Wuzhen becomes popular, they create water features and small bridges (even though their location doesn't resemble the Jiangnan region); if the "Dasha Night City" becomes a success, they add lighting and artificial characters. The example of Zhangjiajie's Dayong Ancient City is illustrative: 2.4 billion yuan was spent on building an "ancient-style new city," but it resulted in a loss of 1 billion yuan within three years, with only the parking lots being profitable. The reason is simple: they focus on what others are doing without considering whether Zhangjiajie really needs such an ancient city or whether tourists will be attracted, or whether local businesses can survive. This kind of "pre-made" renovation seems convenient but is actually wasteful and undermines local uniqueness.
3. **Foreign Experiences: Old Cities as Living Communities, Not Static Attractions**
In Europe, America, Japan, and South Korea, historical district renovations focus more on preserving daily life rather than creating mere attractions. For instance, Japan's "Traditional Building Preservation Areas" policy only designates protected areas and provides technical and financial support, allowing residents to continue living there while old houses are restored to their original state. UNESCO also advocates for the concept of "historical urban landscapes," which includes not only buildings but also street patterns, community relationships, and residents' way of life. This approach may not look as neat or attractive, but it avoids the embarrassment of sudden changes (like replacing all streets with Tang Dynasty-style archways) and ensures that old cities remain vibrant.
4. **A Turning Point in China: Policy Changes, Successful Cases Emerge**
The government has recognized these issues. In 2021, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development issued regulations limiting the area of demolitions in old urban areas to no more than 20%, preventing superficial renovations. More encouragingly, there are successful examples:
- Quanzhou's Jin Yu Alley: The renovation retains traces from different historical periods, with improvements extending beyond facades to sewage systems and fire safety, maintaining a sense of authenticity.
- Nanjing's Xiao Xi Hu (Small West Lake): Renovations were carried out on a household basis, solving housing issues without requiring residents to move. This project was recognized by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme as one of the top ten outstanding practices globally. These examples show that renovations can improve living conditions while preserving the vitality of old cities.
5. **How to Evaluate Renovations? Don't Just Look at Appearance, Look at Vitality**
In the past, the success of a renovation was judged by whether the facades were new and the lighting was bright. However, a good renovation should be assessed based on:
- How many residents will remain in the old area after several years?
- Can local shops (not just internet-famous ones) continue to thrive?
- Will maintenance costs become a financial burden for the city?
After all, an old city with vitality is a true landmark. If it only retains a uniform national facade, even its grandeur will make it another outdated attraction.
In One Sentence
Old city renovations are not about "cosmetic surgery" but about addressing underlying issues—fixing problems like leaks and aging infrastructure, as well as preserving the emotional and cultural essence of the community. Otherwise, no matter how attractive the result, it will be a soulless "set."