Adorned with remodeled residential buildings, modern pocket parks, vintage Soviet-style red brick buildings and quaint cafes and restaurants, a once run-down neighborhood in Chongqing has become a hot destination for visitors.

Located in Chongqing's Jiulongpo district, Minzhu Village Community was built between the 1950s and 1990s as a residential area for the former State-owned Construction Machine Tool Factory. But after the relocation of the factory, the living conditions deteriorated as a result of poor management.

In early 2022, the local government launched an urban renewal project to preserve the historical imprint of the community while improving living and business conditions.

Now the village has become a charming and livable place with a clean environment, improved public facilities and strong cultural characteristics. It is a typical example of a new model of community governance with public participation.

"I have been living here for about 60 years," said Chen Dairong, 76, a retired worker who was employed at the Construction Machine Tool Factory.

"Our residents have actively taken part in the renewal project and the daily management of our community. I am so happy to see our home become such a beautiful place."