The first program to revitalize old urban residential communities through art has been launched in Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province. The program will see two communities in the city be renovated by college teachers, students and residents themselves.

Danfeng and Zijuan communities on Baihe Street in Ningbo were built in the 1990s. To provide a more comfortable environment for residents, Baihe Street invited Cong Zhiqiang, an associate professor at Renmin University of China's School of Arts, to oversee the renovation of the communities in April.

Cong's team unveiled their plans on August 19, according to which a total of 18 different renovation projects will be carried out in the area, including the construction of a rainbow bridge, parks, galleries, and fitness centers. The rainbow bridge connecting the two communities will be completed before October, adding some much-needed charm to the outdated communities.

Residents themselves serve as the backbone of the program. Five volunteer teams consisting of more than 50 residents will participate in the efforts.

Chen Yulin, a member of one of the teams, shared a sketch of Danfeng Community he made 30 years ago, "Danfeng was a model residential community in Ningbo when I moved in, and it will be again. I plan to record the entire process."

A rendering of the rainbow bridge connecting Danfeng and Zijuan communities in Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province [Photo/Ningbo Evening News]