Chongqing- As the 2021 National Two Sessions take place in Beijing, a successful conclusion to the 13th Five Year Plan is set to be announced, followed by ambitious targets of China's new development for the next five five years. In the 14th FYP, China is aiming to meet the standards of high income countries, and also speed construction of the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle as an open highland in the southwest.
A good way to understand the changes that have taken place over, and prior to the 13th Five Year Plan, is to hear about the experiences of local expatriates resident in China long term. What developments have most directly changed life for the better, and what changes do they hope to see over the 14th Five Year Plan?
Technology has made life easier and more convenient
Julia Chen first came to China ten years ago to study Chinese language in Nanjing and Shanghai. She is originally from Seattle, and met her husband in her sophomore year at the University of Washington. After graduation, they moved to his hometown of Chongqing in 2014, where she is now the mother of two young boys.
When asked about the biggest change she has experienced in daily life since first moving to Chongqing, advancements in technology naturally sprung to mind.
‘When I came to China, I always bought things with cash, such as vegetables sold by vendors on the roadside, whereas now I have Alipay for smart transactions, and can have them delivered to my door when it’s preferable to do so.’
‘Also, I used to feel scared about driving, and the challenges of finding a parking space. Now, I’m all set with Gaode Maps and the ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) card, so I can go anywhere safe in the knowledge there will be parking spots clearly outlined for me.’
‘In my early days in China, I didn’t even have a smartphone. Now it’s the single most essential item I use.’
Julia has lived in Chongqing since 2014 and has witnessed great developments in a relatively short span of time.
The fast pace of urban development in Chongqing has brought many additions and changes to the cityscape over the past five years, and Julia followed by describing the most impressive examples of this in her eyes.
'I can clearly see that as new areas of Chongqing have been developed, the urban planning has taken into account the safety, health, and wellbeing of residents. For example, there are more parks, trees, and flowers, while public facilities have installed bathrooms, seating, and convenient parking.’
‘Meanwhile, household waste is now sorted into four different categories, including older ares in the city. Also, there are new LED traffic lights, and a more expansive network of tunnels, overpasses and pedestrian bridges. As a whole, Chongqing is becoming ever more convenient to navigate and explore.’
Raising children in Chongqing has become easier with the development of parks and parent-child facilties.
Another feature of the living environment that has improved in Chongqing is improved facilities for parents and children. As a mother of two young boys, this is a matter close to heart.
‘Looking after kids in Chongqing has never been easier. There are more elevators, nursing rooms, and play areas available with smoother sidewalks, pathways, and safety rails. Most importantly, there are more coffee shops and restaurants that cater for the needs of parents and children, which has made taking them out a far more comfortable experience.’
However, there is still a pressing issue that has received far too little attention in her eyes, one that requires dedicated effort over years to foster in society, and that is general attitudes towards health and safety in regards to childcare.
While economic and urban development has progressed quickly, Julia hopes that health and safety awareness in childcare can also improve with similar pace. (Photo/ Button batteries from a toy that could easily be removed by children and pose a danger)
Safety awareness needs to keep pace with development
‘It would be great to see more education and action regarding child safety. For instance, I’d love to see Chongqing pass a car seat safety law, like Shanghai has done. Many parents do not use car seats, due to erroneous beliefs they are either unnecessary, or bad for spine development.’
'Additionally, if hospitals were given the resources to educate new parents about not only how to keep their children healthy, but also how to care for them in a safer manner, I believe that society as a whole would benefit greatly.’
‘As for dental care, many parents believe that brushing and flossing baby teeth isn’t necessary, yet good oral care at this age has been shown to directly benefit the long-term health of gums and teeth lasting into adulthood.’
Shanghai recently passed a law requiring children to use seat belts in vehicles, and Julia hopes that Chongqing will follow suit in the near future.
Julia added that this issue can sometimes be reflected in contradictory or mis-placed safety measures.
‘While many families childproof their homes to guard against bumps and bruises, they may not consider asphyxiation, poisoning and electrocution hazards at the same time.’
‘For me, it’s not uncommon to see medicine in open containers, long electrical cords placed in areas accessible to children, as well as toys with long strings or easily opened battery compartments.’
As development proceeds rapidly, and Chongqing rises to stand among the ranks of modern and international standard metropolises, Julia hopes the next five years can bring about a great transformation in health and safety awareness for children as a society, one that can match the impressive feats seen in economic and urban development.