1. Introduction

The enhancement of urban livability has become a core issue in global urban development, particularly for rapidly growing megacities like Shanghai. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasize the importance of achieving inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities by 2030. Liang's research concluded that urban livability, as a critical indicator of a city's quality of life for its residents, reflects multiple aspects including the urban environment, infrastructure, social services, and public safety [1]. For an international metropolis like Shanghai, enhancing livability is essential not only to improve residents' quality of life but also to boost its global competitiveness. In this context, as China's economic hub and a major global city, Shanghai's efforts to enhance urban livability affect both the daily quality of life of its residents and its competitive standing on the global stage.

Liu highlighted that future policy-making in Shanghai needs to balance economic growth with environmental protection to ensure all citizens enjoy fair and high-quality living conditions [2]. Liu's analysis of sustainable urban development in Chinese cities suggests that through comprehensive policies, technological innovation, and community engagement, Shanghai is poised to maintain its leadership as a globally livable city and serve as a model for global sustainable development [3]. Kang's research on building sustainable cities in China noted that while Shanghai has made some progress in enhancing urban livability, it still faces multiple challenges including housing shortages, traffic congestion, environmental pollution, and insufficient public services [4]. Despite many achievements, Shanghai continues to confront significant obstacles on its path to sustainable development.

This study explored the specific strategies and their effectiveness employed by Shanghai in enhancing urban livability, analyzing both successes and shortcomings. Through a multidimensional assessment of Shanghai's urban livability, this paper aims to identify the core issues in urban development and propose targeted improvement measures. The research focuses on how to solve housing, transportation, and environmental issues more effectively through policy adjustments and technological innovations, while also enhancing the satisfaction of citizens with public services. Furthermore, the findings of this study offer valuable lessons for other global cities facing similar urbanization challenges. By sharing Shanghai's experiences and lessons learned, the study hopes to encourage more cities to advance on their sustainable development paths, ultimately achieving the UN's sustainable development goals for urban areas.

2. Impacts on Shanghai’s Livability and Government Measures

Livability is a crucial indicator of a city's quality of life for its residents, reflecting the state of the urban environment, infrastructure, social services, and public safety [5]. For an international metropolis like Shanghai, continually enhancing livability is key to maintaining its advantage in global city competition. However, Shanghai currently faces many challenges, for which the government has introduced numerous measures.

2.1. Housing Issues

Housing is a significant topic in urban sustainable development. As a megacity, Shanghai experiences an imbalance in housing supply and demand. Statistics indicated that housing prices in Shanghai are among the highest nationally, placing considerable economic pressure on middle and low-income groups. Additionally, speculative activities in the housing market further drive up prices. To address these issues, the Shanghai Municipal Government has implemented a series of measures:

(1) Increasing housing supply: the government has taken steps to increase housing supply, including accelerating land supply, encouraging the renovation of old towns, and fostering new city developments. According to the "14th Five-Year Plan for Housing Development in Shanghai," by 2025, Shanghai aims to add one million housing units, with at least 40% being affordable housing [6]. These measures help alleviate the supply-demand conflict and enhance housing affordability.

(2) Affordable housing: affordable housing is a critical solution for addressing housing issues for middle and low-income groups. The Shanghai government has increased the supply of affordable housing and improved the housing security system, gradually enhancing living conditions for these groups. By the end of 2023, Shanghai had built over 500,000 units of affordable housing, effectively relieving housing difficulties for middle and low-income residents.

(3) Implementing purchase restrictions: to curb speculative buying, the government has enforced purchase restrictions, thoroughly vetting the eligibility of homebuyers. For instance, non-local residents are required to have paid social insurance or personal income tax in the city for a certain number of years before they are eligible to purchase homes. These policies have successfully restrained excessive speculation in the real estate market, slowing the rapid increase in housing prices.

(4) Regulating the real estate market: to maintain the healthy development of the real estate market, the Shanghai government has strengthened market supervision and cracked down on illegal activities. For example, regulations have been introduced to strictly regulate real estate development, sales, and brokerage activities, ensuring market transparency and fairness. Additionally, the government has tightened control over real estate advertising to prevent misleading promotions and protect homebuyers' legitimate rights.

2.2. Transportation Issues

Transportation is a crucial component of urban sustainable development. As an international metropolis, Shanghai experiences significant transportation demand and pressure. To address transportation issues, the government has implemented several measures as follows:

(1) Developing public transportation: public transportation is an essential means of alleviating traffic pressure. The Shanghai government has vigorously developed public transportation, expanding bus routes, optimizing the subway network, and enhancing the level of public transport services. By the end of 2023, Shanghai's subway operation mileage had reached 800 kilometers, with a bus route coverage rate of over 90%. These measures have effectively eased traffic congestion and improved the convenience of residents' travel.

(2) Optimizing transportation structure: optimizing the transportation structure is a crucial way to enhance urban traffic efficiency and reduce congestion. Measures include integrating multimodal transportation systems, developing slow traffic systems, managing congested areas, and developing comprehensive transportation hubs.

(3) Enhancing traffic management: shanghai has improved traffic management through intelligent traffic management systems, traffic signal optimization, and road transformation. Additionally, the city actively promotes green transportation, encouraging residents to choose low-carbon modes of travel such as walking and biking, thereby reducing traffic's environmental impact.

2.3. Environmental Quality Issues

Environmental quality is a significant indicator of urban sustainable development. As a megacity, Shanghai faces environmental challenges such as air pollution, water pollution, and soil contamination. To improve environmental quality, the government has implemented a series of measures, including strengthening environmental regulation, advancing pollution prevention, and enhancing environmental governance capabilities [7].

(1) Air quality optimization: air pollution is a crucial factor affecting urban environmental quality. The Shanghai government has strengthened industrial pollution control, promoted clean energy, and raised vehicle emission standards, gradually improving air quality. According to statistics, by 2023, Shanghai's annual average PM2.5 concentration had decreased to 35 micrograms per cubic meter, meeting the national second-level standard.

(2) Water quality optimization: water environment management is a critical aspect of urban sustainable development. The government has strengthened water pollution control, advanced comprehensive river management, and enhanced sewage treatment capabilities, gradually improving water quality. According to statistics, by 2023, the water quality excellence rate of major rivers in Shanghai had reached 80%.

(3) Soil pollution control: soil pollution is an essential part of urban environmental governance. The Shanghai government has strengthened pollution monitoring and remediation of industrial lands, promoted green agriculture, and controlled the use of agricultural chemicals, thereby improving soil quality and promoting urban sustainable development.

2.4. Public Safety

Public safety is a foundation of urban sustainable development. The Shanghai government has enhanced public safety by strengthening public safety management, improving emergency response capabilities, and advancing smart city construction.

(1) Establishing a comprehensive emergency management system: the Shanghai government has reinforced the city's emergency management system by establishing more emergency response centers and providing comprehensive emergency drills, significantly enhancing the capability to respond to natural disasters and sudden public incidents. By 2023, the coverage and response speed of the emergency management system had reached new heights, with a coverage rate of 90%.

(2) Promoting integration of smart city and public safety technologies: by adopting smart city solutions, the Shanghai government has utilized big data, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to strengthen public safety warning and response mechanisms. Smart monitoring systems and real-time data analysis are widely used in urban safety management, and by 2023, the smart city construction coverage rate had increased to 80% [8].

3. Strategies for Enhancing Future Livability in Shanghai

To sustainably improve urban livability, the Shanghai Municipal Government has outlined a comprehensive strategy focused on crucial areas of development. These targeted initiatives are designed to address the persistent challenges faced by the city, ensuring that improvements in housing, transportation, and cultural facilities lead to a higher quality of life for all residents. Below, we delve into the specific strategies that aim to transform Shanghai into a more livable, equitable, and culturally vibrant city.

(1) Improving housing and living environment: to increase the supply of affordable housing, the Shanghai government should expand housing projects for middle and low-income groups, particularly economical and public rental housing. This can be achieved through public-private partnership projects or by providing tax incentives to developers. For example, the government can offer low-cost land and expedite the approval process to stimulate the construction of more affordable housing. Additionally, promoting green buildings and sustainable communities: Shanghai should encourage the construction industry to transition to green practices, using eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient technologies [9]. The government can establish green building standards and encourage developers to comply with these standards through financial subsidies and tax incentives [10]. Moreover, developing green community projects that include not only housing but also commercial, educational, and recreational facilities to support sustainable lifestyles.

(2) Optimizing the transportation system: first, by increasing investment in public transportation, shanghai needs to continue expanding and upgrading its public transportation network, especially subways and bus systems. Consideration should be given to increasing nighttime bus services and improving daytime service frequency, particularly in densely populated areas. Additionally, implementing dynamic pricing mechanisms, such as peak-hour fare discounts, can effectively increase the attractiveness of public transportation. Second, developing a multimodal transportation network: Promoting the development of bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly cities, increasing bike lanes and walkways, and enhancing the safety and convenience of these modes. Also, by constructing P+R (Park and Ride) parking facilities, encouraging residents to switch to public transportation before entering the city center [11].

(3) Enhancing cultural and quality of life: enhancing the accessibility and diversity of cultural facilities, the Shanghai government should invest in new cultural infrastructure, such as libraries, museums, and performing arts centers, ensuring these facilities are evenly distributed and easily accessible to all citizens. Additionally, utilizing vacant buildings and spaces for temporary cultural exhibitions and performances to revitalize urban spaces and enrich residents' cultural lives. Furthermore, supporting and stimulating cultural industry innovation, promoting the development of the cultural industry, Shanghai could establish a cultural innovation fund to support local artists and cultural enterprises in developing new content and services. Moreover, cooperating with international cultural institutions to introduce international art exhibitions and performances, enhancing Shanghai's international cultural status and attractiveness.

4. Conclusion

This study analyzed the significant achievements of the Shanghai Municipal Government in enhancing urban livability, primarily reflected in the increase in housing supply, continuous optimization of the transportation system, and enrichment of cultural life. These measures have significantly improved the quality of life for residents and enhanced the overall attractiveness and competitiveness of the city. However, despite considerable progress, Shanghai continues to face challenges in enhancing livability, particularly in housing issues, where the demand for affordable housing has not been fully met. Additionally, although the public transportation system has developed, traffic congestion during peak hours and the balance of bus services still require optimization.

In the future, the Shanghai government needs to continue optimizing urban infrastructure through innovation and technology. This includes further enhancing the efficiency of transportation and public services through smart city technologies, especially by increasing investment in public transportation and developing a multimodal transportation network to address traffic congestion issues. Simultaneously, the government should ensure that all community groups, especially low-income and marginalized groups, fairly enjoy the benefits of urban development, such as increasing the supply of affordable housing and promoting green buildings and sustainable communities.

Moreover, Shanghai must continue promoting green development and sustainable strategies, investing in cultural infrastructure, and supporting cultural industry innovation to further enhance residents' quality of life and cultural diversity. These long-term measures will help Shanghai pursue economic growth while protecting the environment and enhancing its long-term livability. In summary, enhancing Shanghai's livability is a long-term and complex process that requires the joint efforts and wisdom of the government, businesses, and citizens. Only through continuous effort and innovation can Shanghai hope to become a truly world-class livable city, providing residents with a higher quality of living environment.