Local authorities in Suzhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province, are implementing a consumption-boosting strategy that focuses on creating new value from old spaces, aiming to revitalize historic neighborhoods.

Shiquan Street, once one of the busiest commercial streets in ancient downtown of Suzhou, had seen dwindling visitors and business as time passed.

Stretching around two kilometers and passing five communities, the street housing over 20,000 residents and more than 600 storefronts struggled with severe congestion and a mix of competing pedestrians, vehicles, and tourism, resulting in declining foot traffic.

Instead of tearing everything down, Shiquan Street's renewal started with expanding pedestrian walkways. Before the renovation, parts of the footpath were less than one meter wide.

"Now, we have upgraded it in an orderly way, expanding sidewalks to eight meters. As a result, the number of visitors has increased," said Yang Qing, deputy district head of Gusu District.

With the pavement widened, the street has begun to unlock more consumption space. Many shops have added narrow staircases to the second floor, turning what used to be storage areas into coffee lounges, small bookshops, and viewing terraces.

"In the past, customers would come in, buy something, and leave immediately. Now, they walk around the store and go upstairs for consumption. They stay longer here, which has greatly increased our revenue," said Yan Xue, manager of Halorge Bread on Shiquan Street.
Now, Shiquan Street boasts more than 160 new specialty businesses, over 120 of which have renovated themselves. Emerging businesses offering specialty dining and immersive experiences have grown by over 50 percent, and the number of flagship and internet-famous eateries increased by more than 80 percent.

A sustainable renewal mechanism has taken shape as local authorities are improving public spaces, the market is identifying consumer needs, and shop owners are redesigning their premises based on individual strengths.

"We don't take a 'one size fits all' approach. We look closely at what each space lacks before deciding what and how to renovate," said Zheng Xiaohui, director of Urban Renewal Management Division at the Housing and Urban-Rural Development Bureau of Suzhou.