Pioneering thinking and practical applications have ensured that those residing in the Zhuhai Special Economic Zone would all share in the benefits of Reform & Opening Up.

For instance, in 2007 Zhuhai took the lead in the country by providing 12-year free education for primary and secondary school students. It provided outstanding higher education opportunities by bringing in campuses of leading universities such as Sun Yat-sen, Ji'nan, Beijing Normal, Jilin, and Zunyi Medical universities, and the Beijing Institute of Technology.

Zhuhai Campus of Sun Yat-sen University at the foot of Fenghuang Mt and fronting Tangjia Bay & Beach along North Lovers Avenue in Tangjiawan [Photo courtesy WeChat account: zhuhaicampusssysu]

A three-tiered medical insurance system first took form here in 2007. This allowed both urban and rural residents to share social pooling for serious illnesses, insurance for moderate diseases, and free treatment for minor conditions. Zhuhai was thus named a National Hygienic City and Demonstration City for Health Construction.

Last year, 43.61 billion ($6 billion) was spent in nine categories of local livelihood items, accounting for 70.8 percent of general-public budget expenditure. Eighty canteens were built in 2019 to offer seniors low-cost meals, while public schools were established to enroll 2,460 kindergarteners and 16,200 primary and secondary school students. 

This year, Zhuhai will provide education to an additional 11,900 primary and secondary school children and 7,380 preschoolers. It will further improve the tiered medical treatment system and establish 10 pilot health communities. Accessory, public, and on-street parking lots for up to 5,000 vehicles will also be provided.