Li Qiang chaired the 21st special study session of the State Council, focusing on urban renewal

On September 8, the State Council held its 21st专题学习 on the theme of "advancing urban renewal with high quality and promoting intensive urban development," presided over and addressed by Premier Li Qiang. Li Qiang pointed out that, as new industrialization and new urbanization continue to advance, urban development is accelerating its shift toward intensive development, and urban renewal has become an important lever for improving living conditions, enhancing people’s wellbeing, expanding domestic demand, and driving the shift in development momentum. He stressed that we must stay peoplecentered, give priority to addressing shortcomings in housing, public services, and the living environment, while also improving cities’ disaster prevention and mitigation capabilities. Efforts should be coordinated to advance the renewal of housing, residential communities, neighborhoods, and urban districts, promote the transformation and upgrading of old blocks and factory areas, and protect historical context and urban characteristics. Li Qiang also said that urban renewal requires the combined efforts of government investment, market participation, and institutional support. It is necessary to improve financing and investment mechanisms, strengthen coordination between fiscal and financial policies, and continuously optimize policies and standards on planning, land use, taxation, finance, and more in light of practical needs.