"Young and middle-aged residents usually showed support and were willing to spend more money. They hoped to pay for a better renovation plan although it might cost more," Bao said.

Residents proposed altogether four programs for the face-lift involving different processes. They reached a consensus to find a value-for-money, time-tested renovation plan that would prevent them from safety concerns for two decades.

All four programs were voted on by each household. The two with the highest votes went into another round of voting, which brought about the final renovation plan in October 2023.

Renovations of the building's facade and walkways were completed in September.

"The environment of the residential complex today is totally different from what it was. The new surrounding has opened a new page of life for all the residents here," said Wang Guanrong, 84, who has lived with his spouse in the building since 2007.

"It will be even more beautiful in spring when the vines will grow and climb up the walls," he said, adding that seeds were planted as part of a greenery program to respond to residents' requests for more greenery in the limited space of the residential complex.

[email protected]