Restoring a city's charm

Across the river, on the other side, is a residential area.

"The people here are particularly meticulous in their work. Once my design proposal was approved, they took the initiative to implement it with a strong sense of ownership," he says, adding that Suzhou has been home to scholars and literati since ancient times. This scholarly spirit is also ingrained in the DNA of the city's residents.

In the last century, Shiquan Street was known for its international hotels, and later for its bars and jade shops. In recent years, the government has hoped to inject new vitality into the area to attract more young people.

Deng, who has worked on numerous neighborhood renovation projects across the country, says that a neighborhood is not a showcase but a place for living.

The renovation of Shiquan Street has successfully met the needs of all parties. Tourists can visit to take photos and experience Suzhou's leisurely and refined lifestyle and traditional culture, while residents can enjoy a comfortable living environment.

According to statistics compiled by Deng's team, the area now attracts an average of 20,000 visitors per day.

"In any neighborhood renovation, we must respect local culture and local people," he adds.

Ji Zhaoliang, who works at the subdistrict office responsible for the Shiquan Street area, says after the renovation, residents have been enthusiastically and actively organizing activities. During the cultural and arts season, they invite street performers, community bands, and Kunqu Opera enthusiasts to perform in public spaces in the neighborhood.

Regular intangible cultural heritage markets are held to showcase Suzhou intangible cultural heritage items, such as embroidery and woodblock prints, inviting tourists to participate. Additionally, a reading festival is organized, at which literary classics are read in the traditional houses of the neighborhood.

"The residents are highly autonomous. We work together with all residents and businesses in the area to manage the neighborhood, to ensure a bright future," says Ji.