To lift residents’ living standards, Harbin has made plans to complete a housing renovation project over a three-year period, involving 38,600 households in 109 downtown areas.

It was announced at the Sixth Meeting of the Harbin Standing Committee of the 15th National People's Congress held on Oct 24.

According to a government report, as of September, renovation work in Daoli and Nangang districts has been completed. Some 8,941 households have relocated to designated properties, marking the early completion of this year’s target.

As with the adjustment of administrative divisions, Hulan and Acheng districts are also involved in the housing renovation project, which have an additional 12,000 houses waiting to be renovated.

The total number of houses that need renovating in Harbin is 38,600.

In addition, Harbin announced that 47 relocation projects exceeding their due date should be completed by the end of 2018.

To achieve the city’s target, more relocated families will be eligible to receive compensation money. Also, Harbin will purchase commercial housing as relocation homes to reduce the number of empty commercial properties.