In Minzhu Village, well-lit markets at night draw in residents and window shoppers alike. (Photo/Chongqing Daily)

Chongqing—In Chongqing, a mountainous city long challenged by steep terrain that makes daily errands difficult on foot, 85-year-old Chen Deying can now access a produce market, community canteen, and wellness clinic all within a 15-minute walk of her home in Yubei Community.

"The clinic is right next to my home. Doctors can even make house calls when I have a fever or headache. I take my blood pressure while out for a walk, and I'm back at the community canteen for lunch," Chen said.

In Yubei Community, local officials gathered residents' needs through door-to-door surveys, public meetings, and online feedback. Yang Xin, a local official, said residents have a strong demand for elderly care, culture, arts, and employment.

In 2025, the community converted a 3,300-square-meter abandoned cold storage facility into a neighborhood service center combining a park, a canteen, health management services, and household maintenance.

Beyond government investment, Chongqing has also brought in private and social resources to address funding and staffing shortages.

In Qiaobei Community in Liangjiang New Area, a community-owned enterprise was established, bringing in local businesses to help run a senior canteen, recruiting residents to handle cleaning and repairs, and attracting vendors to open service shops near a metro station.

Zhou Xiaoping, a "community partner," said: "The community provides quality space near the metro station with rent discounts. I not only run a service shop but also take part in community governance." In Yuzhong District's Shiyou Road Subdistrict, partners are required to direct part of their profits back into community public services.

Community canteens are a key part of service provision. The canteen in Minzhu Village, Jiulongpo District, serves 1,000 to 1,200 customers daily. The municipal and district governments each provide a subsidy of 2 yuan (about 0.29 U.S. dollars) per day for residents aged 60 and above, and the canteen adds another 1 yuan discount.

Seniors pay just 15 yuan for an all-you-can-eat meal, while other customers pay 18 yuan. The canteen also adjusts its menu based on senior feedback and offers staggered dining times.

In January 2026, Fuling District began recruiting pilot community canteens, offering full one-time subsidies for digital equipment and a 2-yuan-per-meal subsidy for seniors.

Chongqing's central urban area has been divided into 915 "life circles," each tailored to local demographics. Areas with larger elderly populations receive more canteens, hospitals, and senior service points, while younger neighborhoods get more startup spaces, child-friendly parks, and study rooms.

Under the 2026 targets, public-interest childcare service points will cover 55% of urban communities, 26 comprehensive service centers for women and children will be added, and community canteens will reach 95% of all subdistricts.