Human rights experts from Nepal and Uganda recently toured Chongqing's Beicang Cultural & Creative Block to examine an urban regeneration project that preserves factory heritage while supporting contemporary needs.
Indira Rana, member of Nepal's Federal Parliament and former deputy speaker, purchased handmade red flower earrings and a chili-shaped magnet during her visit to the Beicang Cultural & Creative Block. She expressed support for women artisans and stressed the value of retaining old walls and roofs to preserve memories, noting this approach protects human feelings and relates to human rights. Crispin Kaheru of the Uganda Human Rights Commission praised the site as a model for reviving traditional crafts and creating spaces for young people to start businesses and share culture. The Beicang Li project converted former textile factory warehouses into a mix of libraries, art spaces and lifestyle venues. It renovated 44 residential buildings, benefiting around 1,487 households. The project was recently named one of 30 outstanding global cases in the inaugural International Outstanding Practices on Urban Regeneration awards, co-hosted by UN-Habitat and Shanghai University.