Three olds: Experimental urban restructuring with Chinese characteristics, Guangzhou and Shenzhen in comparison

Abstract

Guangdong Province plays a role as pioneer and “experimental province” focusing on redeveloping and upgrading built-up areas. To distinguish and at the same time to encompass the different areas that are to be upgraded, the catchy concept of “Three Olds” redevelopment (san jiu gaizao) has been formulated, comprising regeneration of old town (jiu cheng), old village (jiu cun), and old industry (jiu chang) areas. The “Three Olds” redevelopment process leaves much space for experimentation, bargaining, compromises, and even incentives to trigger the redevelopment of the targeted zones. This chapter introduces the main objectives, challenges, and features of this new approach and compares its different implementation strategies and institutional settings in Guangzhou and Shenzhen. The aim is to demonstrate the process of maturing.