In the vicinity of the DongchengNew Anju Yuan residential area in Chengguan District, Lhasa, Xizang, there was once a muddy, waterlogged, messy, and barren urban corner—a "muddy depression" that was not only an eyesore but also a "pain point" troubling local residents. Today, after comprehensive environmental improvements, it has been transformed into a "leisure paradise" right at their doorstep.

Addressing every public concern with prompt action — no issue trivial

Between March and April 2022, during the second round of the central ecological and environmental protection inspection team's visit to Xizang, multiple public complaints were received. These complaints highlighted issues such as aging and poorly maintained stone-paved back alleys at the entrance of the Dongcheng New Anju Yuan residential area, which became muddy and waterlogged during the rainy season and dusty during the dry season. Additionally, over 5,000 square meters of land reserve south of the road were used as a garbage dump, causing distress to more than 800 surrounding households.

Photo taken on March, 2022shows a large amount of garbage piled up on the vacant land south of Dongcheng New Anju Yuan.

Photo taken on August, 2025shows the vacant land south of Dongcheng New Anju Yuan after remediation.

After receiving the public complaints forwarded by the inspection team, Lhasa coordinated efforts to clean up garbage, cover bare soil, and address illegal parking in the Dongcheng New Anju Yuanarea. A total of approximately 24 tons of various types of waste were cleared, and dust-proof nets were laid over more than 5,000 square meters of wasteland. At the same time, height-limiting poles were installed at intersections, and public toilet signs were set up to identify and resolve potential risks at the source, continuously improving convenience facilities for residents. Additionally, a survey was conducted in the area to identify issues such as aging rainwater and sewage pipelines and sanitation blind spots. A problem ledger was established, corrective measures were detailed, deadlines for rectification were set, and responsibilities were assigned to ensure solid progress in the remediation efforts.

Improving the environment to benefit people — smiles for residents

On the basis of making prompt corrections and addressing issues as they arose, Lhasa carried out systematic planning and comprehensive remediation of the area near Dongcheng New Anju Yuan. An approximately 870-meter-long road was hardened and renovated, greatly improving the previously uneven road surface and poor traffic conditions. Simultaneously, 56 rainwater inspection wells and over 1,200 meters of rainwater pipelines were constructed, 750 meters of sewage pipelines were dredged, and a modern public toilet was built, effectively resolving water-logging and sewage overflow issues in the area. Traffic signs were improved to separate pedestrians and vehicles, and solar streetlights, electric vehicle charging piles, and centralized parking spots for e-bikes were installed as part of the convenience facilities. The land south of the road was rezoned as public green space, resulting in the creation of an urban park spanning over 7,000 square meters. Approximately 5,000 square meters of green space were developed, along with 77 underground parking spaces and recreational facilities such as children's play areas and exercise equipment.

Photo taken on March, 2022 shows the back alley road south of Dongcheng New Anju Yuan before remediation.

Photo taken on May, 2026 shows the back alley road south of Dongcheng New Anju Yuan after remediation.

The once muddy paths have been replaced by smooth asphalt roads, and the former garbage dump has been transformed into an urban park integrating leisure, fitness, and scenic views. Neat and tidy streets now complement the lush greenery, allowing nearby residents to fulfill the vision of "seeing greenery when opening windows and stepping into a park when going out." Public satisfaction has also significantly improved.

Photo taken on August, 2025 shows the vacant land to the left of Dongcheng New Anju Yuan after remediation.

The remarkable transformation of the Dongcheng New Anju Yuan area from an "urban pain point" to a "highlight of people's livelihoods" is a vivid example of Lhasa's people-centered approach to urban renewal.

Seizing the momentum for further improvement — painting a new livable picture

Taking the environmental rectification of the Dongcheng New Anju Yuan area as an opportunity, Lhasa has delved into refined urban management, systematically advancing comprehensive urban and rural environmental improvement actions. Efforts have focused on municipal facility construction, environmental sanitation, and urban and rural greening and beautification. As of April 2026, 179 courtyard greening projects have been completed, with the greening area renovated and expanded by over 1.59 million square meters. More than 4.6 million seedlings have been planted, and 14 pocket parks and landscape nodes have been created using urban corner plots. Additionally, over 100,000 square meters of potholed road surfaces have been repaired.

Moving forward, Lhasa will remaincommitted to  people-centered governance philosophy,with public satisfaction as the highest standard. By continuously optimizing urban functions, enhancing urban quality, and invigorating urban vitality, the city aims to become a "plateau pearl city that locals take pride in and visitors yearn for."

Source: Ministry of Ecology and Environment

Translator: Zheng Yujie, Zhi Xinghua

Review: Hu Rongguo, Drakpa Wangchen