Objective Against the backdrop of the deepening reform of the territorial and spatial planning system and the thorough implementation of urban regeneration initiatives, the urban development paradigm is shifting from "incremental expansion" to "stock optimization." Detailed planning, as a crucial link connecting macro-level strategies to micro-level implementation, is undergoing a profound reshaping of its role and functions. However, advancing urban regeneration at the detailed planning level still faces multiple practical challenges. These challenges include the insufficient adaptability of standardized planning tools to highly heterogeneous spaces, the need to improve mechanisms for balancing rigid constraints with flexible demands, the inadequate integration of traditional planning tools with emerging development concepts, and the incomplete establishment of a cross-departmental, full-process collaborative governance system. This study aims to systematically analyze the core issues of urban regeneration governance at the detailed planning level. By integrating evidence from typical urban practices, it proposes targeted governance optimization pathways. The goals are to enhance the adaptability, operability, and governance efficacy of urban regeneration, promote higher-quality and more sustainable urban development, and provide theoretical references and practical guidance for advancing the modernization of urban governance with Chinese characteristics.

Methods This research adopts a perspective of systematic thinking and governance innovation, employing a methodology that combines theoretical review and empirical analysis. First, it systematically examines the evolution of national urban regeneration policies since 2019, clarifying the transformation of detailed planning from a mere spatial regulatory tool into a comprehensive governance platform that coordinates multiple stakeholders and integrates diverse policy instruments. Second, it identifies practical dilemmas in urban regeneration governance at the detailed planning level across four dimensions: spatial aspects, regulatory approaches, technical methods, and institutional safeguards. This analysis is corroborated with case studies from urban regeneration practices in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. For instance, examples such as the fragmented spatial governance in Beijing’s Huangcheng Jingshan Neighborhood, the challenges in development intensity regulation for Shanghai’s "Zhenru Zhixin" Project, and the mixed-use land management difficulties in Shenzhen’s "Industrial Upgrading" projects are used to illustrate the specific manifestations and root causes of these problems. Finally, based on this diagnostic analysis, the study constructs a four-dimensional optimization framework encompassing "Spatial Governance - Dynamic Regulation - Technical Support - Collaborative Governance" and puts forward systematic and actionable governance recommendations.

Results Through systematic analysis, this study identifies four core challenges of urban regeneration governance at the detailed planning level and proposes corresponding four-dimensional optimization pathways. In the spatial dimension, to address the challenge of mismatched standardized tools and heterogeneous spaces, it proposes innovative spatial governance pathways. This includes establishing a hierarchical management mechanism of "Planning Unit − Regeneration Area − Specific Plot," and introducing a three-dimensional property rights model along with a functional mix management mechanism combining "Negative Lists + Positive Guidance + Compatibility Assessment" to enhance the precision and adaptability of spatial governance. Regarding the regulatory approach, to balance rigidity and flexibility, it advocates for optimized dynamic regulation. This involves constructing a multi-dimensional regulatory framework based on "Primary Function + Flexible Compatible Function Pool + Negative List," refining a differentiated indicator system of "Baseline Indicators + Floating Ranges + Intra-unit Coordination + Market Transfer," and establishing fast-track approval channels for small-scale regeneration projects. In the technical methods dimension, to facilitate the substantive integration of concepts like low-carbon development, resilience, and cultural heritage, it emphasizes strengthening technical support. This is achieved by developing operable technical guidelines and standards, translating these concepts into mandatory or guiding control elements within plan formulation. Concerning institutional safeguards, to resolve bottlenecks such as poor coordination, funding shortages, and ineffective participation, it calls for improving the collaborative governance system. Specific measures include establishing regular cross-departmental coordination platforms, innovating diversified investment and financing models, and implementing empowered whole-process public participation mechanisms, aiming to build a governance structure characterized by co-construction, co-governance, and shared benefits.

Conclusion This study draws the following conclusions: First, within the context of territorial spatial planning system reform and deepening urban regeneration, the role of detailed planning has transformed from a traditional technical tool into a comprehensive governance platform connecting macro and micro levels, coordinates diverse interests, and integrates policies. Second, current governance practices still face structural challenges across the four dimensions of spatial adaptation, regulatory flexibility, technical integration, and institutional coordination, which constrain effectiveness of plan implementation. Third, to achieve high-quality development in urban regeneration, it is essential to systematically advance the the optimization and innovation of governance pathways for detailed planning. This requires coordinated reforms across the four dimensions of "Spatial Governance - Dynamic Regulation - Technical Support - Collaborative Governance" to comprehensively enhance the adaptability, operability and overall governance efficacy of detailed planning. These efforts will provide support for the construction of an urban regeneration governance model with Chinese characteristics and advancing the modernization of the urban governance system and governance capacity. In the future, in-depth exploration will be carried out on topics such as the improvement of theoretical systems, innovating technical methods, optimizing institutional designs, and expanding practical pathways, with the aim of promoting higher-quality and higher-level development in urban regeneration.