Visitors ride cartoon-style boats through the waterways of Jiangxinyu scenic area in Lucheng district, Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, on May 1. [Photo/IC]

East China's Zhejiang province held a conference on urban development in Wenzhou on Oct 12 to review its achievements, assess current challenges, and outline new objectives for city development.

The province aims to complete the construction of "modern people-centered cities" by 2035.

Zhejiang's urbanization rate has reached 75.5 percent, with 50.33 million permanent urban residents. The per capita housing area now stands at 48.1 square meters, roughly on par with the average level in developed countries.

Over the past two to three decades, Zhejiang's cities have undergone a rapid transformation, with new urban districts, commercial complexes, train stations, and office towers reshaping city skylines.

In recent years, urban change has become more refined. Projects such as installing elevators in old buildings, upgrading pipelines, and renovating aging residential communities have steadily improved urban living conditions.

Communities across the province are developing "15-minute living circles" that integrate essential public services within walking distance.

In Lucheng district, Wenzhou, the Xintianyuan residential community has introduced affordable, resident-run services such as communal dining halls, after-school care, and fitness zones. The community now has more than 30 "partners" and 300 volunteers, organizing over 1,200 activities annually.