Starting from late 2024, Qamdo City has been advancing urban renewal in 5 major districts of its main area—Sichuan Bridge, Bangda Street, Xiatong Street, Macao Dam, and Gadong Street. By adopting a "minor renovation + residential building reconstruction" approach, the city is addressing livelihood issues such as outdated facilities in shantytowns and old residential communities, narrow roads, and combined sewage and rainwater systems. This effort aims to achieve a harmonious synergy between urban rejuvenation and the enhancement of residents' sense of happiness.

In the early morning of Xiatong Street, the roar of excavators mingles with the laughter of residents. This area, once a shantytown characterized by cramped roads and aging pipelines, is now undergoing transformations. "Driving out used to be the most troublesome part of the day. I'd have to check from the rooftop to see if there were any cars passing through the street. Sometimes, when two cars met, it was a real test of driving skills," said resident Duojia.

The transformation of the Xiatong Street area is a microcosm of the urban renewal and transformation in Karub District, Qamdo City. In 2024, Qamdo City has orchestrated the renewal of 5major districts in Karub District, with a total investment of 696 million yuan, encompassing projects such as road widening, upgrades to water supply and drainage pipelines, and the construction of community service stations. Among them, the Sichuan Bridge area took the lead, commencing construction in September 2024. The supporting projects, with a total investment of 87.7853 million yuan, include a community activity center, public toilets, a parking building, a garbage collection station, and community roads.

The drainage renovation project on Xingfu Street, which is progressing the fastest, has entered its final stage. On the construction site, workers are racing against time to lay pipelines. "Originally scheduled for a two-month duration, we've optimized the process and shortened it to 40 days to minimize the impact on merchants," explained Li Jian, the project leader for the improvement and renovation of Xingfu Street.

The infrastructure improvement project in the Zhongxin Dam area also includes the renovation of water supply, drainage, and current systems in Changqing Street and Xingfu Community, which is expected to be completed by September this year.

With the advancement of the urban renewal projects, the blueprint for Qamdo as a "sub-center city" is gradually taking shape. In the future, Qamdo will seize the opportunity to open up major traffic andimprovethe 15-minute convenient living circle, ensuring that the "Pearl of Eastern Xizang" not only retains its vibrancy but also new vitality.

Reporter: Konchog Qogco

Translator: Peng Qing, Zhi Xinghua

Review: Hu Rongguo, Dong Xiuli