Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai

Zhuhai's latest move to improve people's livelihoods will elevate the living environment, infrastructure, and cityscapes in Cuiwei Village. It is yet another renovation project of the local government seeking a general rise in quality of life.

Cuiwei is one of Zhuhai's largest and oldest villages-in-a-city with a history of more than 700 years. According to local elder Wu Huichui, the village was the crossroads for trade between Macao and the Chinese mainland during the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1911), made prosperous by nearly 10,000 busy merchants.

Not changing with the times, however, the village has been on the decline, restricted by impoverished settings, where housing is often substandard, safe sanitation is scarce, and environments are filthy. Despite this, it has a population of more than 30,000, 90 percent of whom are migrant workers attracted to the area by low rents and prices. The old-fashioned village however sits incongruously among modern huge buildings.

The renovation project has therefore been emphasized in the Zhuhai government's 2018 work report as an important opportunity to create an ideal living environment from an existing situation.

Many villagers have long looked forward to changes and improvements, said Wu. They are so happy that they will soon be able to live in spacious houses and start comfortable new lives.

One of Cuiwei Village's narrow streets are occupied by extended vegetable stalls, making it difficult for any cars to pass through.

Cuiwei Village is surrounded by high-rise buildings serving the busy urban area.

A designer's impression of Cuiwei Village after renovations [Photos by Zhong Fan / Zhuhai Daily]