Grassroots participation powers urban renewal efforts in Chongqing

As China accelerates its urban renewal drive, elevator installations have become a key wellbeing project in Chongqing. In Liangjiang New Area, the push is taking shape through a community-driven approach, where residents are shaping the future of their homes.

In Renhe subdistrict, high-floor residents have felt the immediate impact. Sixty-year-old Dai Guangli, living on the 12th floor, hesitated to go downstairs after experiencing a sudden elevator drop. Eighth-floor resident Ai Wanduan preferred taking the stairs after being trapped inside once when the old elevator overheated. Now, the stable, new installation, with upgraded air-conditioners in the machine room, makes them feel safe. 

                                            

Renhe subdistrict has installed 253 new elevators. [Photo provided to english.liangjiang.gov.cn]

In the process of elevator installations, a community-level self-governance system is empowering residents to discuss, decide, and ensure that the changes meet their needs.

Few embody this process better than 71-year-old Chen Chonghui. Living on the seventh floor of a building without an elevator in Renhe and struggling with knee pain, she left home to stay with her son for years because she could not manage the stairs.

When her community began exploring elevator installations in 2021, she volunteered to help with preparations. As a resident here for nearly three decades, she has many friends and relatives in the area and plays a leading role in the community.

Chen was assisted by the community committee to host consultation meetings, where representatives from each household discussed details from installation location, supplier selection, to financial contribution.

The most challenging task was not technical planning but balancing differing interests. Lower-floor residents, who benefit less, were reluctant, as elevator installation requires consent from all households.

Chen visited second-floor resident Li multiple times after she declined to sign, believing the elevator offered her little benefit despite no required payment. Chen won her support by making an exception and offering her elevator access to transport heavy goods. The elevator is activated with keys held only by contributing households.

In Chen's building in Xingjiaqiao Community, the new elevator is installed on the left side of the existing stairwell to avoid blocking sunlight, a major concern among lower-floor residents. [Photo by Guo Shuyu]

Chen also relied on personal ties, persuading households one by one through trust and familiarity. The community is a resettlement area where residents have known each other for decades and value relationships; even if they disagree, they soften when they see your effort, Chen said. Eventually, all households in her building agreed to proceed.

Renhe's experience mirrors broader demographic and infrastructure needs across China. The subdistrict accommodates resettlement housing from the 1990s and older commercial compounds, many without elevators or relying on equipment over 15 years old. With seniors accounting for 15 percent of the population, and more than 21 percent in older areas, elevator installation has become one of the most common demands.

"We prioritize elevator installation as residents requested," said Li Jianbin, Party secretary of Renhe subdistrict. He noted that residents-led projects are more likely to reach consensus and succeed. "We provide technical guidance, policy support, and assist residents in organizing discussions and making decisions," he said.

Renhe has installed 253 new elevators, supported by government subsidies, national bonds, maintenance funds, community income, and financial contributions from residents.

For Chen, participating in community decision-making has been transformative and she says it won't be her last effort. While the process has encouraged Chen to stay engaged, the momentum sparked by resident participation is breathing new life into ageing neighborhoods.