Responding to needs

The riverside Party-mass service center has undergone two upgrades, both driven by public demand.

Xia explained that the restrooms within the facility were open around the clock from day one because they noticed visitors had difficulty finding restrooms.

Two years later, a canteen was opened in the center in response to the lack of dining options along the riverside. "We found many visitors at the riverside were using our center as a location to order food deliveries, so we decided to address the issue of meal accessibility," said Xia.

The canteen quickly became a hit, offering affordable meals with stunning river views. People lining up for meals often formed lines extending to the waterfront. This prompted an upgrade this year, when more than 150 seats indoors and outdoors were added. Also, there were special offers for delivery and sanitation workers nearby.

Lin Yiping, who has worked as an express delivery courier in Shanghai for four years, appreciates the community canteens, which solve his dining issues. "They give me a feeling that my contributions to the city are recognized," he said.

The Tianping center excels in its food services, offering a "you request, we cook" menu and meals with reduced salt and oil for seniors. It has also opened windows for quick public and business services, addressing residents' needs, such as dealing with disputes between neighbors and responding to requests about clothes recycling, property maintenance, and business needs, including registering for shop renovations and garbage disposal.

As the facility is surrounded by eight schools, it has established a large library with 4,000 books and a children's activity area. In light of the aging population trend, the center also provides services, such as cognitive impairment screening, general medical consultations, haircuts, and allows the elderly to enjoy one-stop care close to home, said Liu.

Officials said these facilities provide services while avoiding harming existing small shops.

"One such center on South Shaanxi Road is located in an alley. Considering that there is already an eatery in the alley selling steamed buns, the center excluded them from its breakfast menu to avoid competing with small businesses," said Xu.

In Qingpu district's Huaxin town, known as China's No 1 town for express delivery, a dedicated Party-mass service center was opened in June to serve logistics workers and truck drivers. This two-story facility has over 20 areas suitable for activities such as relaxation, fitness, reading, traditional Chinese massage, and legal consultation.

The center currently receives roughly 200 visitors each week. Some couriers said that they like to go there for fitness activities and to play computer games to relax.

Liu Dongming, a truck driver, said that the opening of the center has eased many of his everyday inconveniences. "There are facilities for bathing and laundry here, as well as massage chairs that help relieve lower back pain. This is great and thoughtful," he said.