Diversity promotes the development of urban vitality.
The research by Li et al. (2019) indicates that population density fluctuations are particularly pronounced in the central region of Yinchuan. During weekends, there is a notable concentration of people in the northern sector of Jinfeng District, the peripheries of Xixia District, and rural locales. Weekend activities predominantly involve visiting friends and family, shopping, and leisure pursuits in suburban or rural settings[18]. In alignment with the data presented in Table 5 and corroborated by further studies [40, 41], there is a discernible decrease in urban vitality from the city center to the outskirts.
The central city populace consists mainly of residents, including those from peripheral areas, commuters, and tourists. Residents of neighborhoods in the city center have a high demand for walkability and proximity to public and commercial amenities[42], while commuters prioritize access to transport, commercial services, and dining options in relation to their work travel. Thus, enhancing the availability of commercial spaces and public amenities is crucial for bolstering urban vitality.
Yinchuan City has transitioned from a single-center development to a multi-center one. Originally, Xingqing District was the sole hub for commerce, economy, and culture. As Jinfeng and Xixia Districts have evolved, they too have become district-specific centers for these activities. At present, the city faces the challenge of diversifying the homogenous development across these three central areas. The Yinchuan City Master Plan (2011–2020) highlights distinct cultural themes for each district: the Hui culture for Xingqing, the riverside culture for Jinfeng, and the Xixia heritage for Xixia District. Post-pandemic shifts in societal attitudes reveal that the single-function urban model is outdated, particularly in the old city where traditional businesses prevail but new ventures are scarce. In response, urban renewal efforts are introducing new functions and business models. For instance, in 2023, Manpu Town in Xixia District integrated Xixia cultural elements to transform into a specialty tourism town. This development offers a range of cultural and tourism products tailored to the diverse and sophisticated demands of tourists, which in turn stimulates local popularity and economic activity.
Transportation accessibility promotes the development of urban vitality.
Urban areas with dense road networks and accessible transportation tend to exhibit higher levels of urban vitality, as supported by studies from Anqi et al. (2020), Bin & Christophe (2004), and Hui et al. (2012). The variables NQPDA and TPBt both display positive correlations at computational radii of 0.5 km and 1.2 km. Furthermore, the GBDT (Gradient Boosting Decision Tree) model prioritizes TPBt-1200 as the most influential factor, followed by overall Traffic, confirming the effectiveness of the research methodology applied in this study.
Yinchuan City's "Three-year Action Implementation Plan for Urban Renewal (2021–2023)," released in 2021, is in line with these findings. Since 2021, the city has been developing a multi-level transportation network and creating traffic-smoothing green-wave systems across major urban thoroughfares by constructing new arterial roads, connecting interrupted streets, and adding new pedestrian-friendly green pathways. From 2022, efforts to decongest and streamline main arteries have been underway, further enhancing the urban road grid. The introduction of greenways alongside lakeside major roads encourages the adoption of public transportation and green commuting practices, as highlighted by Diyanah Inani & Hafazah Abdul (2012).
Presently, greenways have been established along Baohu Road's median, forging connections between neighborhoods, ecological green spaces, parks, and wetlands. In the northern region of Jinfeng District, a greenway encircling Yuehai Lake links scenic spots like Yuehai Skiing Resort, Lanshan Park, and Flower Expo Park. These green passages not only provide open spaces for the city's residents but also contribute to enhancing the overall urban habitat.
Design promotes urban vitality.
The GWR analysis of Design variables showcases the spatial variation of design elements across different areas and their impact on urban vitality. Openness, Greenness, Enclosure, Walkability, and Imageability are all positively correlated with urban vitality, with Openness and Enclosure exerting a particularly significant influence. This supports the notion that people enjoy moving through narrow, enclosed commercial streets and living areas but also appreciate open spaces for leisure activities, as identified in the research by Marlon et al. (2011) and Rui (2023).
Enhancing the sense of enclosure can be achieved by adding elements such as trees and signage, particularly in residential and commercial zones. This approach aligns with ongoing efforts to augment the urban identity of Yinchuan's three districts. In Xingqing District, the Gulou and Yuhuangge neighborhoods capitalize on their historical and cultural backdrop, alongside the commercial vibrancy of existing pedestrian streets. The street façade improvements and renovations refresh the architectural context of the surroundings. The Jingde Night Market in Xingqing District employs light projections to illuminate streets, showcasing tourist attractions, the charm of old lanes, and local culinary delights. Meanwhile, Jinfeng District's Xuezhong Lane and Xiang'an Lane have seen enhancements in street infrastructure and roadway illumination.
Urban vitality enhancement strategy
We suggest taking three effective measures to improve the urban vitality of Yinchuan city.
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Strengthen Financial and Policy Support with Enhanced Urban Management: The government should continue to bolster financial and policy support to improve urban governance. This involves upgrading the physical urban infrastructure and expanding public services. Annual support should be allocated to match funds and direct resources where they are most needed. This targeted approach can catalyze sustained growth and enhance the urban vitality of Yinchuan. For instance, districts such as Jinfeng’s Fenghuang City and Xixia’s Manpu Town could serve as exemplars, driving vitality from the city's core outward.
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Realign City Positioning and Functions: The city’s functions should evolve to meet the changing needs of its residents, shifting from a low-end to a high-end positioning to elevate the overall service level of the city. Alongside this transformation, there should be an increased investment in human, financial, and material resources, as well as the introduction of competitive mechanisms to elevate the city's quality.
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Cultivate Attraction to Enhance Vitality: Efforts should be made to draw people by moving beyond traditional modes of thinking and embracing innovative ideas. Identifying the right city positioning, creating attractions, and harnessing momentum can serve as catalysts for urban renewal. Utilizing social trends as a springboard can be effective, but it’s important to plan progressively, building year upon year to ensure lasting change and avoid fleeting success.