Location: No. 21Madao Street, Qinhuai District (XiaoxihuBlock)

Theme:Institutional innovation, governance reform        

Introduction: Located in the core area of Southern Nanjing Old Townin the Qinhuai District, connecting the Confucius Temple and Eastern City Gate Historic Block, Dayaofang Lane Historic Landscape Zone (Xiaoxihu Street Block) is one of the historic feature areasidentified in the Master Plan of Historical and Cultural City Protection of Nanjingand also a key demonstration project for the protection and renewal of Nanjing’s old city in the new circumstance.

The area covers an area of 46,900 m2, with a construction area of 50,800 m2, 810 households, 25 industrial and business units; 7 historical streets and alleys, 2 cultural preservation units, 7 historical buildings, and more than 30 traditional courtyards, making it one of the few well-preserved residentialneighborhoods in Nanjing with the characteristics of the Ming Dynasty and Qing Dynasty. Observing the principle of “extensive consultation, joint contribution, shared benefits” and following the model of “special policy for each courtyard on a case-by-case basis”,  featured courtyards have been built in the area including “symbiosis courtyard”, “shared courtyard”, “resettlement housing with the transfer of the use right” . Residents are encouraged to make independent and continuous renewal, which has improved the living conditions of nativeresidents while preserving the architectural style and street texture of the Ming and Qing Dynasties in Xiaoxihu.    

The renovation philosophy and model of the area haveattracted extensive attention at home and abroad, heavily-cited in major domestic and foreign forums. The best practice and achievements of the protection and renewal of Xiaoxihuhave been shared with different countries and regions. Xiaoxihu area has been reported by China People’s Daily, Xinhua News Agency, and other mainstream medias many times. In 2021,it was awarded as one of the top ten excellent cases of urban renewal in China.