This year marks the 5th anniversary of the important concept of people's city. Recently, the Shanghai Women and Children Service Guidance Center (Jinguo Garden), the Yangpu Women's Federation and the Social Work Office of Wujiaochang Sub-district, in collaboration with the Yangpu Haiya Family Education Service Center and the Chuangzhifang Neighborhood Center of Wujiaochang Sub-district, kicked off the "Strolling through the People's City • Sharing the Good Life Accessible to All in Wujiaochang" City Walk. This event focused on creating a circle for a better life for residents, pooled resources from multiple sources, and used small-scale approach to stimulate the community's collective "neighborly" strength for joint contribution, sharing and co-governance, implement the people's city concept and empower parent-child family volunteers in community civilization practice.

A stroll across the people's city

City walk, which focuses on profound urban experiences, is a favored form of urban micro-travel among the public. The People's Lecture Hall serves as the starting point of this event, where core volunteers from parent-child families gained insights into the design philosophy and functionalities of the venue through explanations by the on-site staff. The roof of the hall is shaped like the Chinese character "人" (people) reflecting the concept of "the people's city built by the people should serve the people" in its design. It also resembles an open book, merging the essence of everyday life with the aroma of books...

People's Lecture Hall

Upon crossing the street, the People's Living Room, located opposite the People's Lecture Hall, was abuzz with activity. Guided by the venue staff, the visitors explored the space and discovered that the People's Living Room is a multifunctional, integrated community open space that offers Party and mass government services, neighborly cultural activities, and reading and socializing events. "The facilities surrounding the People's Living Room are very practical, with the bustling Yangpu Guoding Wet Market right across, exuding a rich, everyday vitality," said the parent-child families in praise of the People's Living Room's utility after their visit.

People's Living Room

"We are about to walk through the Harmony Gate," said a guide. In Wujiaochang Sub-district, an upscale residential complex is just a wall away from an older community, each with its own advantages. Previously, a 2-kilometer detour was necessary to travel between them. However, under the guidance of the community's Party organization and through resident consultations, they dismantled the wall and created the "Harmony Gate", realizing a mutual desire of the residents. The establishment of the "Harmony Gate" exemplifies the integration of new and old neighborhoods. The story of this unique gate has inspired new ideas and approaches for parent-child family volunteers exploring community integration practices.

Harmony Gate

Upon crossing the "Harmony Gate", the visitors arrived at the trendy spot—Chuangzhi Farm Garden. Through the guide's explanation, they learned about its transformation. Originally, it was a neglected space between three gated communities. Through collective community efforts, guided by the concept of "reconnecting people with the land, rebuilding interpersonal relationships, and fostering goodwill and trust to reestablish a sense of community and belonging", this once-neglected space was revitalized and renamed Chuangzhi Farm Garden. It has successfully revitalized the dormant social life in the area, allowing green civilization to flourish in the community.

Chuangzhi Farm Garden

Next to Chuangzhi Farm Garden, on Daxue Road, the fragrance of coffee filled the air. Known for its dense concentration of coffee shops, this area generates a significant amount of coffee grounds daily. "How can we repurpose coffee grounds and turn waste into valuable resources?" A staff member from the Chuangzhifang Neighborhood Center led the visitors into a local coffee shop, where they found the answer when they saw "Coffee 'Child' Impact" coffee ground cultural and creative products on display.

Despite the scorching summer heat, the volunteers, young and old, were in high spirits as they walked through the civilized city. They listened intently at times and paused to reflect at others...As they strolled, they experienced an intimate reading of their community for the first time, feeling the warmth and beauty behind the architecture, green spaces and merchants…

Interaction with the merchant

The destination of this journey is the Chuangzhifang Neighborhood Center in Wujiaochang Sub-district, where the volunteers from Starbucks on Daxue Road hosted a green micro-charity event titled Coffee Grounds Recycling. Guided by these volunteers, the parent-child families explored the diverse uses of coffee grounds and collaboratively crafted energy-efficient and eco-friendly coffee ground deodorizing sachets. Together with the Starbucks volunteers, the parent-child volunteers promoted a healthy and sustainable lifestyle through the repurposing of coffee grounds.

The city walk, designed with a meticulous route, utilized the Chuangzhifang Neighborhood Center in Wujiaochang Sub-district as a nexus, stringing together the community's distinctive scenes brimming with the essence of daily life. It allowed the core volunteers from parent-child families to experience the splendor of the people's city during their stroll and to grow through practice. It is anticipated that they will continue to showcase their passion and dedication in future civilized community practices, uniquely presenting the warmth and stature of the people's city and a civilized community.