Putting People First Along the Huangpu
Shanghai is pioneering a people-centered approach to urban development, transforming its waterfront, old alleys and neighbourhoods into vibrant, accessible spaces. Since President Xi Jinping emphasised that 'cities are built by the people and are for the people,' the city has rolled out projects benefiting over 40,000 households, from redeveloped waterfront parks to upgraded community centres.
Digital Governance Meets Daily Life
To streamline services, Shanghai built two city-wide networks: a one-stop administrative platform linking 45 municipal departments and a real-time operations network. With an average of 1.1 million daily calls, residents can now schedule medical appointments, access online consultations and share electronic health records across hospitals with ease. Adaptive interfaces and digital accessibility measures ensure the elderly and people with disabilities stay connected.
Smart Safety and Sustainability
Safety and green design go hand in hand in Shanghai’s latest initiatives. Communities have installed smart bike sheds and elevator access controls that feed risk data into an online platform. This early-warning system helps local teams detect and address safety concerns before they escalate. Meanwhile, green and low-carbon upgrades—from pocket parks to expanded cycling lanes—are reshaping urban life with a focus on well-being.
A National Blueprint for Livable Cities
Shanghai’s model is part of a broader people-centered push across the Chinese mainland. Since 2019, nearly 280,000 old residential communities have been renovated, benefiting an estimated 120 million people. The country has added over 130,000 elevators, 3.8 million parking spaces and 31 million square meters of new cultural, leisure and fitness venues. With 127,800 kilometers of urban greenways and 48,000 pocket parks, cities nationwide are embracing meticulous craftsmanship and digital tools to boost residents’ happiness and security.
As young global citizens, entrepreneurs and changemakers seek fresh ideas for sustainable, inclusive living, Shanghai’s blend of data-driven governance and human-centered design offers an inspiring blueprint for cities around the world.
Reference(s):
China prioritizes high-quality, people-centered urban development
cgtn.com
