He added that more efforts should be made to improve the quality of small and micro spaces, and that each case should be treated on its merits.

Tan, from the Xijiaominxiang community, said he was impressed by the positive feedback received from residents after the renovation work. They proposed growing more plants in courtyards, installing foot mats in front of toilets, and introducing storage cabinets.

This feedback helped the construction team leave "no stone unturned" in the renovation process, Tan added.

"As the courtyard environment is improved and beautified, residents' enthusiasm for such work clearly increases," he said.

In Tan's street, residents take turns to maintain toilet hygiene, manage public facilities in the courtyard, and encourage good behavior.

All residents are asked to provide ideas and suggestions for their shared courtyard.

"We will also host courtyard storytelling events, invite the elderly to talk about the history and architectural features of the courtyards, and pass on the culture of the hutong," Tan said.

yangfeiyue@chinadaily.com.cn