CHONGQING: If you only have a few hours to explore Chongqing, a bustling metropolis in southwest China, and you’re eager to soak in its diverse atmosphere, I recommend a visit to Minzhucun.
Within just a year, this neighborhood has swiftly become a hotspot for tourists and locals alike. On my recent visit to Minzhucun, I saw how urban renewal efforts have breathed new life into the decades-old community.
As I wandered through its labyrinthine streets, weaving past traditional residential buildings, cozy eateries, and chic cafes, I encountered a fascinating blend of “old” and “new:” groups of elderly residents engaged in passionate conversations on the sidewalks, while, just a few meters away, young visitors posed for photos against backdrops tagged as “must-visit” on social platforms.
This is the unique charm of Minzhucun, boasting both the nostalgia of the old city and trendy spots. The community has nearly 20,000 residents. Nestled in the urban district of Jiulongpo, it spans about 580 mu (38.67 hectares).
Once known primarily as a thriving enclave for workers and their families from a prominent state-owned factory, Minzhucun faced a deteriorating living environment since the factory’s relocation in the early 2000s. In recent years, it was overshadowed by surrounding commercial skyscrapers.
For Chen Dairong, a 75-year-old retiree who has called Minzhucun home for three decades, it was painful to see the neighborhood’s decline. –Agencies
