Statistics provided by the Changchun government show that the total length of underground pipes in Changchun is 20,343 kilometers, of which 4,207 km are identified as old with a high risk of bursting.

Wang said that most of those pipes are in areas within the Third Ring Road and in 2016, a length of 454 km of underground pipes were upgraded.

Apart from the improved underground pipeline network, Changchun's residents are also set to see many other benefits flowing from the 10 projects. These include better traffic conditions, a more convenient public transportation service, increased green areas and a better mechanism to support the development of local culture.

Changchun has built a network of cycle paths. It has installed colorful pavements and decorated more than 2,000 street-side buildings.

The city also planted trees in 20 streets, establishing a new green area of 46 hectares, and six new community parks.

More plans for 2017

In 2017, Changchun plans to invest 16.78 billion yuan in 10 projects, to promote the improvement of road conditions, infrastructure, landscaping and transportation in the old city.

The work includes upgrading 161 old communities; removing 500,000 square meters of illegal structures; shanty town refurbishments and maintenance work on 340 streets within the Third Ring Road area.

The government has also taken measures to create more parking for residents. A total of 300,000 new parking lots in residential communities, as well as 20 new large multilevel car parks, will be built downtown.

In addition, illegal advertisement boards along the airport expressway were demolished to build a green entrance path. The public service facilities in Changchun Railway Station and West Station have been maintained and updated to bring more convenience to people, according to Changchun's government.

The reconstruction of the old city took into account local's opinions, so there was participation in the program by the general public.

The city is also strengthening the management of construction quality, with full-time supervision, and builders will be responsible for the overall quality of the buildings.

Changchun invited 36 leading design groups nationally to make plans for the reconstruction of the old city. Experts will review and evaluate the design schemes and make sure the plans meet with high professional standards.

caoyingying@chinadaily.com.cn