Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai

Xiangzhou District underwent mid-term inspections from the Steering Group of the Ministry of Civil Affairs on July 6, as the Zhuhai district's application to become a national pilot area for community governance and service innovation entered a new phase.

A six-person government delegation toured some of Xiangzhou's subdistricts, inclduing Qianshan, Gongbei, and Cuixiang, to learn more information about the areas' projects to improve the livelihoods of local residents and create self-governing communities.

An official delegation hears about Xiangzhou's experiments with self-governing communities during an inspection tour in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province on July 6.

Officials paid particular attention to Nancun community in Meihua area, which has been featured in a number of news reports due to its unique way of managing communities at grassroots level.

In Nancun's system, a negotiation committee with a coordinating role is established that acts independently of homeowner committees and conventions. This method of resolving issues has proved more efficient and democratic than conventional systems, and has helped the community maintain social stability.

Xiangzhou District Party Secretary Yan Hong introduced that local construction work is now focused on providing services for local residents, following advanced management practices introduced from Hong Kong and Macao.

Yan Hong, Party secretary of Xiangzhou District, gives an update on the district's progress in turning itself into a national pilot area for community governance and service innovation. [Photos courtesy zhxz.gov.cn]

Discussions were held with respect to building community parks as well as developing a community culture.

The inspectors spoke highly of Xiangzhou's trial at the afternoon report meeting, saying that it has far exceeded most reforms undertaken elsewhere in the country.

Yan said that Xiangzhou will continue to deepen its reforms and conclude some of the practical measures applied in Zhuhai could be rolled out nationwide.