From "outdated, rundown and small" hamlet to modern community: an international student reveals the "gorgeous transformation" of Chongqing Minzhu Village

Luis Alfredo, a Mexican international student from China University of Petroleum (East China), was drawn to a vibrant community canteen nestled in the lively Chongqing Minzhu Village, a place renowned as the ‘Top Chinese Buffet’.

In the bustling community canteen, the expansive 500-square-metre hall buzzes with life, filled to the brim with eager patrons. Here, for 18 yuan, you can choose from 20 dishes. And all of this is just a small aspect of the changes in Minzhu village.

In a time long past, there lay Minzhu village, a place marked by its crumbling structures and weary amenities. After a series of well-designed renovation, Minzhu village blossomed into a lively and modern community.

The miraculous transformation didn’t take place overnight. The relevant departments of the Minzhu village have had in-depth communication with more than 400 residents to ensure that the renovation plan truly meets public needs. With community hospital being updated, the Craftsman Workshop preserved and the once-narrow staircase widened, every alteration resonated with the needs of the community.

Its transformation is a microcosm of the democratic practices in many communities across China. If you're also interested in Minzhu Village, why not take a stroll and experience its unique charm for yourself?