Chinese cities are moving away from extensive outward expansion and beginning to meticulously refine every street, building, and community. Every development in urban growth impacts the lives of countless people. The State Council executive meeting held on May 15 reviewed and approved the "15th Five-Year Plan for Urban Renewal," sending a clear signal about urban development priorities. The meeting explicitly stated, "China's urban development is currently shifting from a phase of large-scale incremental expansion to one focused on improving quality and efficiency of existing assets." This transition from "large-scale incremental expansion" to "improving quality and efficiency of existing assets" is not merely a change in terminology but a profound shift in the logic of urban development. The previous approach of sprawling expansion and building new cities is now behind us; the future of cities lies more in enhancing the "existing foundation."

Why did the meeting emphasize "placing urban renewal in a prominent position"? The two Central Urban Work Conferences held in 2015 and 2025 established the framework for urban development in the new era. Currently, China's urbanization rate of permanent residents continues to rise, and cityscapes are rapidly transforming. However, after extensive expansion, many cities face challenges such as tightening land resources, functional degradation of old districts, and aging infrastructure—the "growing pains" of development. Large cities no longer lack space but lack high-quality, high-standard reuse of existing assets. The State Council executive meeting's focus on "urban renewal" recognizes the shift in development stages—while incremental space is limited, the potential of existing assets is immense. Instead of indiscriminate demolition and construction, revitalizing old cities through "meticulous craftsmanship" addresses both public expectations and serves as a key driver for stimulating domestic demand and fostering new growth engines.

The State Council executive meeting proposed building "modern people-centered cities that are innovative, livable, beautiful, resilient, civilized, and smart." These keywords outline the goals for urban renewal. With the direction set, how will it be implemented? The meeting clearly outlined key tasks, with at least six areas warranting detailed attention.

Foster and strengthen new drivers for urban development. Renewal is not just about repainting walls or paving roads; the core is introducing new industries and business models. Transforming old factory areas into cultural and creative parks, repurposing abandoned railways into entrepreneurial districts—behind spatial renewal lies the reshaping of economic momentum. This requires deep integration of urban renewal with industrial upgrading, allowing "old spaces" to cultivate "new economies."

Create high-quality urban living environments. Addressing shortcomings is a priority. Installing elevators in old residential communities, improving facilities for the elderly and children, and expanding pocket parks and greenway networks—these may not be grand narratives, but they directly enhance people's sense of gain, ensuring cities reflect a human scale in every aspect.

Promote green and low-carbon transformation in urban development. Energy-saving renovations for existing buildings, building green transportation systems, and promoting green building materials—future urban renewal must integrate "green" constraints throughout the entire process. This is not an optional enhancement but a mandatory requirement.

Enhance urban safety and resilience. In recent years, frequent extreme weather events have exposed weaknesses in urban underground pipelines, flood control and drainage facilities, and emergency shelters. The meeting's emphasis on "resilience" means that urban renewal must prioritize substantial investment in underground pipelines and lifeline safety projects, strengthening the city's physical resilience.

Promote urban cultural prosperity and development. Preserving old cities and urban renewal are not contradictory. It is essential to retain historical districts, revitalize and utilize industrial heritage, and allow cities to preserve memories and evoke a sense of nostalgia. Culture is the unique identifier of a city.

Improve urban governance capabilities. Hardware renewal must be accompanied by software upgrades. Leveraging smart tools like "integrated network management" to advance urban management into communities and empower governance refinement through digitalization ensures that urban renewal is both substantive and comprehensive.

Overall, the State Council executive meeting has charted a course for advancing urban renewal in a robust and orderly manner. Chinese cities are bidding farewell to extensive outward expansion and beginning to meticulously refine every street, building, and community.