Huiyuan Dajie has undergone multiple transformations since the primarily industrial land uses in this part of Haizhu moved out in the 1990s. The final iteration now taking shape is likely to be the longest-lasting, with pedestrian facilities gradually being extended and improve and pushing car traffic and car access out. Bollards have been installed to effectively narrow the road and prevent car parking, pedestrian-oriented paving has been built, and cars increasingly made to feel unwelcome. The bollards have a distinctly local feel, with irregular sizes and shapes showing that the locals have stepped forward to take control over their own community and keep motor vehicles out.
Before 2010 the canal was periodically smelly and unpleasant. Since then, emissions into the canal have been contolled and communities which previously closed their doors and gates on the canal are now opening up to it, providing excellent permeability and a connected series of public spaces along the watercourse.