Urban renewal of historic districts: The renovation of Lihuangpi Road neighborhood in Wuhan

The renewal of Wuhan's Lihuangpi Road neighborhood represents an integrated approach to historic preservation, low-carbon development, and community engagement. This study investigates the renewal strategies and their implications for sustainable urban development through a combination of policy analysis, field observations, semi-structured interviews, and inductive content analysis. Findings show that a “gradual renewal” model was adopted, emphasizing facade restoration of historic buildings, pedestrian-friendly environments, and improvements to public spaces and residents' quality of life. Low-carbon measures included the expansion of green infrastructure, enhanced waste classification, and traffic control, while building-level energy retrofitting remained limited. Commercial revitalization contributed to local economic vitality, supported in part by tourism development, though concerns over cultural commodification emerged. Community participation played a significant role in environmental governance, particularly in waste management practices; however, long-term engagement mechanisms remain underdeveloped. The renewal process was largely government-led, yet the integration of more flexible policies and market incentives warrants further exploration. Rather than advancing new theoretical frameworks, this study provides empirical insights into the practice of low-carbon urban renewal in historic districts. It offers practical references for policymakers and urban practitioners seeking to balance heritage conservation with environmental and social sustainability. • This article explores the integration of historic building preservation with low-carbon living in Wuhan, China. • It highlights the critical role of community engagement in historical area renewal projects. • The impact of pedestrian zones and slow-living areas on residents' quality of life is examined. • Field research and interviews show community benefits of the renewal projects. • A multi-dimensional framework analyzes low-carbon urban renewal strategies and challenges.