On September 22, 1997, Zhongshan was awarded the annual UN Habitat Scroll of Honor for its achievements made in the "problem-solving houses construction" program from 1986 to 1997. 

On October 9, 1997, then-Mayor of Zhongshan Huang Ziqiang received the UN Habitat Scroll of Honor award from an official of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme. [File photo by Huang Chunhua]

During 1986-1997, Zhongshan had invested 900 million yuan to build 7,831 sets of housing, which satisfied the dwelling needs of people with a per capita living space of 8 square meters and less. 

Baiyuan and Huayuan New Villages were built during the 1980s and 1990s to resolve housing problems for people with a per capita living space of 8 square meters and less. [File photo by Huang Chunhua]

In the absence of experience to follow, Zhongshan had to "cross the river by feeling for stones" and finally figured out a mature, operable solution for neighbouring cities and even the whole country to resolve housing problems.

Zhongshan is a livable city. [File photo/Zhongshan Daily]