On March 25, China Women's News placed an article titled Spring Breeze Revives Old Poplar Trees, Amplifying the Voice of a New Era front and center on its headline. The article delves into the inspiring efforts of Yangpu's "Old Poplar Tree Lecture Group", a collective of over 300 retired officials who use their life stories to elucidate the Party's innovative theories and the evolution of urban development. Their dedication has earned them a heartfelt response from General Secretary Xi Jinping. In an array of forms, including community lectures and live-streaming, they champion the people's city concept, kindle the public's passion for collaborative development and governance, and show the power of the silver generation in this new epoch. Here is the full story:

Yangpu's "Old Poplar Tree Lecture Group"

When we caught up with Xin Peihua, she had just wrapped up a morning lecture. "Receiving the reply from General Secretary Xi Jinping was a moment of pure exhilaration. This honor, hard-won and well-deserved, is more than just recognition and trust - it's a profound mission and responsibility. I'm determined to bear this instruction in mind and forge ahead with renewed vigor!" As a member of the "Old Poplar Tree Lecture Group", Xin, Former Deputy Secretary of the Yangpu District Discipline Inspection Commission, has channeled her elation into even greater fervor for her work.

In November 2024, marking the fifth anniversary of the people's city concept, General Secretary Xi Jinping responded to Yangpu's "Old Poplar Tree Lecture Group". In the correspondence, he commended the retired members for their inspiring narratives that weave together historical accounts, the Party's innovative theories, and the transformative development of Shanghai in the new era, describing their efforts as "a profoundly significant endeavor". General Secretary Xi motivated the group to "persist in sharing compelling stories from their surroundings", "inspire a broader spectrum of citizens to actively embody the people's city concept, engage wholeheartedly in urban development and governance, collaboratively forge a harmonious and beautiful urban environment, and collectively create a fulfilling and prosperous life."

Bearing the Instruction in Mind: A New Chapter for the Elderly

During an inspection tour in Shanghai on November 2, 2019, General Secretary Xi Jinping first articulated the visionary concept that "a city built by the people should serve the people". At the "People's House" Party Mass Service Station, General Secretary Xi engaged in a warm conversation with Huang Baomei, an esteemed veteran model worker. General Secretary Xi commended her as a "witness, active participant, and significant contributor" to national development. He further inspired her to "narrate her experiences to the youth, thereby bolstering their faith in the socialist path, theories, systems, and culture with Chinese characteristics."

General Secretary Xi's heartfelt expectations for Huang underscored the profound respect and aspirations held for veteran comrades. Guided and supported by the CPC Yangpu District Committee, the "Old Poplar Tree Lecture Group" was established in June 2020 by the Veteran Cadre Bureau of the CPC Yangpu District Committee. This platform brings together esteemed figures such as Huang Baomei, a recipient of the "July 1 Medal"; and Yu Yi, honored as a "people's educator", alongside over 300 retired officials, veterans, experts, teachers, and role models who have long contributed to the district. Known for their solid theoretical grounding, eloquence, and dedication to volunteerism, these individuals form the backbone of the "Old Poplar Tree Lecture Group". Embodying the "Old Poplar Tree" spirit - deeply rooted, ever-reaching, providing shelter, and leading the way - they extend their influence to schools, innovation parks, communities, military bases, commercial hubs, and government institutions. Through sharing their personal journeys, they narrate tales of the new era, China's progress, and Shanghai's transformation, inspiring citizens to actively participate in building a people's city. Since its inception, the "Old Poplar Tree Lecture Group" has delivered nearly 3,000 lectures, engaging an online and offline audience of one million.

Innovative Forms Bring Vivid Stories to Life

"The 'Old Poplar Tree Lecture Group' consists of more than 300 members, each with unique backgrounds, extensive life stories, and professional expertise. We blend our personal experiences into our presentations and use our strengths to address various topics such as youth development, community engagement, Party building, and the values of honesty. It is imperative that our lectures not only embody sophistication and excellence in substance but are also delivered with clarity, simplicity, and vibrancy, ensuring that the people's city concept strikes a chord within every listener," said Ni Laidi, Head of the "Old Poplar Tree Lecture Group" and former Secretary of the Party Work Committee of Changhai Road Sub-district.

Li Peirong, a retired official from Yanji Xincun Sub-district and a member of the "Old Poplar Tree Community Education Think Tank", shares the same age as the country. She sows the "seeds of ambition" in children's minds by recounting stories of master artisans' perseverance and heroic acts from revolutionary times. With university students, she connects the country's development, changes, and urban transformation narratives she has lived through, showcasing the remarkable progress from past to present, thereby enabling the new-generation builders to fully grasp that "Marxism, adapted and modernized for China, is effective". In conversations with community residents, she adeptly merges the critical connection between urban development and grassroots governance, from the removal of park fences to minor community enhancements, allowing residents to genuinely experience the joy and fulfillment that comes with building a people's city.

As a member of the "Five Elders" Happy Marriage Mentorship Group in Yangpu, Xin is adept at elucidating the Party's theories and passionately committed to spreading excellent family education and traditions among newlyweds. By actively engaging in happiness-sharing sessions and marriage culture-themed activities, she holds in-depth conversations with young couples, helping them shape sound perspectives on marriage, family, and childbirth. Focusing on the theme "Securing the First Button of Marriage", she shares her personal marital journey and life wisdom, offering valuable insights into the art of family management.

As Head of the "Old Poplar Tree Lecture Group", the outgoing Ni continuously diversifies lecture forms with her team. By harnessing the "youthful energy" of retired Party members and officials, she steps boldly into the "digital intelligence" era. She actively participates in guiding Party building within internet enterprises, fostering cyber civilization, and supporting youth development. Ni also immerses herself in understanding the work, lifestyle, and social habits of young internet professionals. Through consistent online and offline interactions, she offers theoretical insights, cultural values, and heartfelt encouragement to young people, inspiring them to remain true to their ideals, embrace integrity and dedication, and realize their life's purpose.

The content is meaningful, yet the narration remains grounded. Each "seasoned mentor" continuously hones their "lessons" and expands their "programs". "After receiving General Secretary Xi Jinping's response, we've felt a greater sense of responsibility. Our veteran members are eagerly preparing the 'course catalog' for the new year. We must sharpen our understanding of social needs, ensuring this grassroots-driven 'catalog' is richer in substance, more efficient in outreach, and wider in engagement," Ni said.

"Old Poplar Trees" Shine with Renewed Energy

Ni said that within a few short months following the response, the "Old Poplar Trees" have delivered over 200 additional lectures in diverse forms. They aim to "disseminate positive social values and inspire a broader citizenry to engage in the grand vision of a people's city".

On Bilibili, a platform frequented by the youth, the lecture group established the "Yangpu Veteran Cadres" live streaming channel to lecture on the Party's history. Huang Baomei, a member of the lecture group, took on the role of a "live streamer". She captivated the "post-waves" from campuses, innovation parks, and communities with stories of the Party's history that she had witnessed. She guided viewers through national development. At over 90 years old, she emerged as the endearing "internet celebrity grandma" adored by countless netizens. In celebration of the centenary of the founding of the Party, Xin collaborated with the English learning platform "Liulishuo" to create the "Red Whirlwind" English learning series, offering 14 courses such as the "Story of Half a Quilt".

In today's digital age, the members of the "Old Poplar Tree Lecture Group" are on a quest to discover new footholds through digital tools. "Live streaming is only part of the picture. We aim to bring the concept that 'a city built by the people should serve the people' to life for the younger generation in diverse forms they love, like short videos, walking lectures, and compact classes. This way, we can reach more young minds, let them feel the city's heart and soul, and motivate them to actively contribute to shaping our people's city," said Xin. Ni has an even bolder vision: "We hope to see more members of our lecture group turn into 'video uploaders' and share compelling Chinese stories on global platforms."

A head of the Veteran Cadre Bureau of the CPC Yangpu District Committee emphasized that their top priority is to "keep sharing vivid stories and inspire more citizens to embrace the people's city concept wholeheartedly." They are committed to boosting the outreach and brand power of the "Old Poplar Tree Lecture Group". By fulfilling General Secretary Xi Jinping's crucial call to "mobilize and guide veteran comrades to add positive energy to the Party's endeavors," they will focus on building a stronger lecture team, exploring innovative ways to spread the message, and expanding its reach.

Over the past five years, guided by the people's city concept, Shanghai has been transforming at a rapid pace through high-quality development. As Li Peirong so aptly put it, "The rising sun and the setting sun are one and the same - they both shine brightly and radiate warmth."