Documentary Highlights Shanghai's Sanitation Revolution for Better Life

Credit: Ti Gong

Caption: "1㎡ of Shanghai – Uncovering the Governance Behind Shanghai's Quest to Raise Living Standards"

A new documentary highlighting Shanghai's urban governance achievements premiered during the ongoing 2026 national "two sessions" in Beijing, offering an in-depth look at how China's largest metropolis has transformed its sanitation infrastructure and improved residents' quality of life.

Jointly presented by the Information Office of Shanghai Municipality and the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Housing, Urban-Rural Development and Management with support from the Shanghai Water Authority, the documentary, produced by The Paper and titled "1㎡ of Shanghai – Uncovering the Governance Behind Shanghai's Quest to Raise Living Standards," was officially released today.

The installation of a flush toilet requires merely about one square meter of space, yet it represents a systematic advancement in urban sanitation facilities and sewage treatment capabilities.

The documentary traces the historical memory of generations of Shanghai residents, who once relied on chamber pots, examining how this megacity continuously explores solutions to improve urban living standards based on people's needs.

Credit: Ti Gong

Caption: The documentary traces the historical memory of generations of Shanghai residents, who once relied on chamber pots, examining how this megacity continuously explores solutions to improve urban living standards based on people's needs.

Historical transformation with depth

From the housing shortages of the past to today's private bathrooms in every household, the film presents how Shanghai's urban administrators have addressed the contradiction between people's growing aspirations for a better life and unbalanced, inadequate development.

Credit: Ti Gong

Caption: Employing innovative 3D animation and AIGC (artificial intelligence generated content) technology, the documentary visualizes Shanghai's "invisible" underground infrastructure.

Systematic engineering with sophistication

Employing innovative 3D animation and AIGC (artificial intelligence generated content) technology, the documentary visualizes Shanghai's "invisible" underground infrastructure, revealing globally leading governance systems and construction philosophies behind megacity livelihood projects.

People-centered solutions with warmth

Through tailored and coordinated planning that responds to diverse demands of thousands of households while maximizing public interest, the documentary serves as a vivid illustration of the "people-centered city" concept in practice.