Shinan district in Qingdao is revving up efforts to alleviate public concerns by continuously improving service quality to enhance residents' sense of gain, happiness and security.

"After the renovation, the appearance of the community is beautiful, and the inside is also bright and clean," said a local resident surnamed Wang, who lives in Shinan's Sanming Road community. This year's upgrading of the Sanming Road area influenced the lives of 2,551 households as the district strives to promote service quality in scenic spots, blocks and communities, creating a harmonious urban area suitable for living, business and tourism.

The district has upgraded 60 old residential areas and installed 129 elevators, involving 1,081 buildings with a total area of 2.42 million square meters, benefiting 32,000 households. It has also constructed 17 parking lots, added more than 2,500 parking spaces and expanded parking facilities in 30 commercial malls, hotels, office buildings and 10 residential communities. And to promote the deep integration of parks and the city, Shinan has built seven tree-lined corridors, eight pocket parks and other small green spaces.

In addressing health concerns, Shinan has established a medical and healthcare group, and family doctors in the area have signed up 298,800 residents. Free checkups are offered to more than 51,600 elderly people, as well as free screening for 15,000 at-risk residents with high blood pressure, high blood sugar or high cholesterol. The district houses 470 community-level medical institutions, achieving full coverage of street health service centers and creating a "15-minute medical service circle".

"Residents don't need to go to the hospital for registration — they can come to our community to enjoy the medical services," said Liu Peng, a family doctor at Henan Road Community Health Service Center.

On the cultural side, a local art festival brought intangible cultural heritage to nine office buildings in Shinan this year, with more than 30 events such as rope weaving, micro performances and ICH experiences, providing lunchtime activities for office workers. In addition, Shinan has carried out a series of activities called Happy Shinan to bring cultural benefits to the local communities. It held the first Qingdao (Shinan) Courtyard Art Festival, featuring more than 200 events such as immersive, interactive and experiential jazz music, original drama and art exhibitions, attracting more than 100,000 participants.

The district has also enriched its sports facilities, building 56 new fitness paths and more than 400 new or renovated fitness facilities and becoming the first district in Qingdao to complete a "five-minute fitness circle".

A group of seniors have dinner at a canteen specially for the elderly in Shinan district of Qingdao. CHINA DAILY