China and Turkey, located at the eastern and western ends of the ancient "Silk Road", are natural allies under the "Belt and Road" initiative. On the afternoon of June 23, Zhou Haiying, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Yangpu District Committee and Head of Yangpu District, hosted the senior official delegation of Turkey's Justice and Development Party (AKP), led by First Vice President Evkan Ela, to Changbai Neighborhood 228. They sensed the pulse of urban renewal, observing Yangpu's practice of implementing the important concept of "the people's city serving the people" and transforming from an industrial rust belt into a life belt. Jiao Zhixin, Director of the Third Bureau of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, accompanied the delegation on the visit.

As a "20,000-household" workers' community built after the founding of the People's Republic of China to solve the workers' housing difficulty, Changbai Neighborhood 228 has witnessed the changes of the times and the development of the city. In 2023, it was recommended for the 2023 UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development. As a showcase of "the people's city", it vividly demonstrates Yangpu's beneficial exploration and practice in creating a "15-minute community life circle" and actively promoting urban renewal. Now, it has regained its vitality, becoming an all-age-friendly community that integrates residence, leisure and shopping.

The workers' community with plain walls and red tiles, the busy community canteen…The delegation visited "Yangpu Neighborhood" Market, Fendou Square, Panda Canteen, Community Party-Mass Service Center and other sites. They watched the resident-choreographed dance Deep Affection for the Old Residence, experienced a traditional Chinese tea ceremony, and learned about Yangpu's innovative practices in community cultural activities and the elderly meal service.

Delegation member Mehlika engaged amicably with residents, capturing valuable moments. She said, "Changbai Neighborhood 228 not only completely preserves the spatial fabric and public properties of the original buildings. Such a community lifestyle has made me feel the convenience and comfort of Yangpu's public services. It also showcases China's advanced concepts and practices in urban governance."

Turkey, one of the first countries to sign a "Belt and Road" cooperation document with China, shares significant complementary strengths and substantial cooperation potential with China. This visit not only offered the delegation an insight into China's urban renewal and community governance, but also enhanced the friendship and cooperation between China and Turkey, laying a solid foundation for Yangpu to strengthen cooperation and exchanges with Turkey in various fields in the future.