An aerial drone photo taken on July 21, 2022 shows the construction site of the renewal project at Pengyi residential compound in Jing'an District, east China's Shanghai. In Shanghai's Pengpu Xincun, one of the city's earliest newly built residential areas for in-service staff, senior residents like 92-year-old Yu Meixiang and 75-year-old Peng Juhua shared their memories of bygone days at a gathering with children of the neighborhood. Their stories reflect not only personal history but also a remarkable urban renewal that has transformed their lives while keeping their community intact.
Built mostly in the 1950s and 1960s, the residential buildings in Pengpu Xincun had long fallen into disrepair, as could be seen in the leaky roofs and crumbling walls. The daily hardships had been worsened by kitchens and bathrooms shared among neighbors, especially when families there were growing in sizes.
In response, the local government launched a renewal project in 2005. Residents temporarily relocated while their old homes were reconstructed on the original plots. After two decades of work in multiple phases, Pengyi residential compound of Pengpu Xincun officially opened for its earlier residents to move back in June 2025.
The refurbished apartments there are now more spacious, each with a private kitchen and bathroom. Elevators, barrier-free access, and a pedestrian-friendly internal traffic system are now in place to make life much easier for the elderly. A neighborhood cultural center with a library and gym is set to open soon. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)
Gan Landi (3rd R), daughter of Yu Meixiang, tells her neighbors a story about her childhood at a gathering in Pengyi residential compound, Jing'an District, east China's Shanghai, July 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)
This photo taken on July 14, 2026 shows road signs in Pengyi residential compound, Jing'an District, east China's Shanghai. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)
An aerial drone photo taken on May 25, 2023 shows the construction site of the renewal project at Pengyi residential compound in Jing'an District, east China's Shanghai. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)
This combo photo shows children's amusement facilities in Pengyi residential compound, Jing'an District, east China's Shanghai, July 14, 2026 (left, photo by Xinhua photographer Fang Zhe), and a slide at a kindergarten in Pengpu Xincun in 1960s (right, provided by the interviewee). (Xinhua)
Yu Meixiang (R) and her daughter Gan Landi are pictured at their new residence in Pengyi residential compound, Jing'an District, east China's Shanghai, July 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)
Old household items donated by residents are pictured at a "time hall" in Pengyi residential compound, Jing'an District, east China's Shanghai, July 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)
This combo photo shows Peng Juhua and her husband Wang Zhenyu at their new residence in Pengyi residential compound, Jing'an District, east China's Shanghai, July 14, 2026 (above, photo by Xinhua photographer Fang Zhe), and a file photo of them taken in 1986 when they just moved into Pengpu Xincun (below, provided by the interviewee). (Xinhua)
This photo taken on July 14, 2026 shows a view of Pengyi residential compound after renewal in Jing'an District, east China's Shanghai. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)
An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 10, 2024 shows the construction site of the renewal project at Pengyi residential compound in Jing'an District, east China's Shanghai. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)
Yu Meixiang recalls her life at her old residence in front of old household items displayed at a "time hall" in Pengyi residential compound, Jing'an District, east China's Shanghai, July 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)
This photo taken on July 14, 2026 shows a collection of photos of Yu Meixiang's family. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)
Old household items donated by residents are pictured at a "time hall" in Pengyi residential compound, Jing'an District, east China's Shanghai, July 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)
Neighbors pose for a group photo at a "time hall" in Pengyi residential compound, Jing'an District, east China's Shanghai, July 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)
Yu Meixiang, Peng Juhua and their old neighbors share their daily life experience at a gathering in Pengyi residential compound, Jing'an District, east China's Shanghai, July 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)
An aerial drone photo taken on June 27, 2025 shows buildings of Pengyi residential compound after renewal in Jing'an District, east China's Shanghai. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)
Peng Juhua (2nd L) recalls her excitement when assigned with a residence at Pengpu Xincun in 1980s, in Pengyi residential compound, Jing'an District, east China's Shanghai, July 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)
A resident walks through a "time gallery" in Pengyi residential compound, Jing'an District, east China's Shanghai, July 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)
