The elites of Oxford and Cambridge brought internationally leading urban renewal concepts and provided suggestions for the new life of the Gubei international neighborhood during a seminar on January 14.

Oxford University and Cambridge University alumni Xu Tong, Zhang Qi, Chen Tianzhen, and Li Yukun, who are engaged in urban renewal related work, respectively focused on “Green and Low Carbon Life in International Communities,” “Infinite Possibilities of Citywalk in Urban Renewal,” “New Colors brought by Traditional Intangible Cultural Heritage to International Communities,” and “City Monopoly-Games and Residents Building International New Communities Together,” with an international perspective through cutting-edge theories and diverse perspectives.

They shared excellent practices in urban renewal between China and foreign countries with guests, jointly exploring potential cooperation opportunities and projects that can accelerate the promotion of urban renewal. 

By integrating advanced technology and innovative thinking, they provided suggestions for building a sustainable and livable people’s city for the Gubei international neighborhood.

In 1986, with the continuous deepening of reform and opening up, Hongqiao became one of the first batch of economic and technological development zones in China. 

In order to match the commercial and trade functions of Hongqiao Development and Technological Zone, the Gubei international neighborhood was born, becoming the earliest area for foreigners to live and reside in Shanghai.

In recent years, Hongqiao Community has seized the opportunity of urban renewal and made effective explorations and attempts in improving housing conditions, enhancing the quality and vitality of the neighborhood, and improving the quality of life of residents. 

It has not only carried out overall renovations on many old residential areas, but also renewed and upgraded a number of landmarks such as the Golden Street and Gubei Vanke Plaza, continuously meeting local residents’ aspirations for a better life.

Edited by Shanghai Daily