After a five-year redevelopment effort, Jimsar county in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has undergone a significant transformation aimed at improving residents’ quality of life. The project, which included an investment of approximately 4 billion yuan (around $600 million), focused on upgrading infrastructure, enhancing public services, and expanding green spaces across the county.
Central to these changes has been a comprehensive overhaul of the county’s transportation network. Authorities renovated 25.3 kilometers of roads, addressing longstanding issues such as congestion, poor road conditions, and drainage problems. Residents have noted the improvements, with wider, smoother roads now featuring modern amenities like traffic lights, sidewalks, and safety barriers, creating a safer and more convenient environment for both pedestrians and drivers.
In addition to road improvements, Jimsar has updated its municipal utilities through a digital and smart infrastructure upgrade. This included a full renewal of underground pipelines and the installation of smart meters for water and gas—22,000 and 29,000 units respectively. Three dispatch platforms now monitor water supply, drainage, gas, and heating systems in real-time, allowing for more efficient operation and quicker resolution of maintenance issues. The heating network, for example, has reached a coverage rate of 97 percent, resulting in more reliable and stable services for residents.
Housing developments have also been a focal point of the renewal. The county prioritized the renovation of aging residential areas and the construction of affordable housing units. Over the past five years, Jimsar has built 1,076 public rental homes and 875 government-subsidized units to assist low-income families and newly settled urban residents. Renovation projects targeting 48 old communities and 33 individual buildings have benefited more than 13,500 households, significantly enhancing living conditions. To improve community management, the county established a “three-in-one” governance model and revitalized 29 formerly neglected neighborhoods through environmental cleanups and routine maintenance.
Environmental improvements feature prominently as well. Jimsar has increased its urban green space by more than 68 hectares, expanding from 459 to over 527 hectares of parks and landscaped areas. The number of pocket parks rose from 12 to 19, and seven new recreational gardens were added. The county has also been selected as a pilot site for the Xinjiang region’s 15-minute convenient living circle initiative, aimed at bringing essential services and leisure opportunities within a short walk for residents.
Local officials assert that these efforts have strengthened the city’s infrastructure and governance capacity, making Jimsar more livable and business-friendly. Wang Xubin, deputy director of the county’s housing and urban-rural development bureau, emphasized the focus on addressing residents’ urgent concerns by improving infrastructure, optimizing ecological environments, and refining grassroots governance.
Looking ahead, Jimsar plans to continue its urban renewal in a people-centered manner, aiming to distribute the benefits of development across all ethnic groups and further enhance both the city’s functionality and residents’ well-being.