Exploring Self-Organization in Community-Led Urban Regeneration: A Comparative Analysis of Chinese Approaches

Self-organization has emerged as a critical approach in community-led urban regeneration, particularly in addressing the challenges of rapid urbanization and socio-spatial inequalities. In the Chinese context, where urban governance has traditionally been state-centric, self-organized initiatives represent a significant shift toward grassroots participation and localized decision-making. This study conducts a comparative analysis of four cases: Guangminglou Building No. 17 in Beijing, Kangjian Road 341 Building No. 7–8 in Shanghai, Honggang Garden Residence in Shenzhen, and Jiqun Street Building No. 2 in Guangzhou to examine self-organization in community-led urban regeneration in China. It reveals the following: (1) Residents’ active participation and co-construction awareness are the foundation of successful renewal. The construction of resident self-governance and democratic decision-making mechanisms should be strengthened. (2) The government’s policy support and financial guidance are vital. Local governments can mobilize social capital to participate by providing financial subsidies, tax incentives, and other means. (3) Urban planning should combine local cultural characteristics and community needs, avoiding the simple “demolish and rebuild” model. (4) Technical means can effectively improve efficiency and reduce information asymmetry and conflicts of interest. The findings suggest that self-organization is not merely a grassroots phenomenon but often operates within a hybrid governance framework, where collaboration between communities and local governments is essential. The study has significant implications for urban planning and policy, contributes to the growing discourse on participatory urban regeneration, and offers practical insights for fostering sustainable community-led initiatives.