A shared community room and area that was donated from part of the home of a resident in Zhonglou Alley – located in Hailing district of Taizhou city, East China's Jiangsu province – is offering locals leisurely moments in the bustling precinct.
In December 2021, Hailing district decided to build the first volunteer service block in the province in Zhonglou Alley, which translates as Bell tower Alley.
In response, Hong Jianwen, a Communist Party member of 37 years' standing, offered his small courtyard and a 30 square-meter room in his house for use and paid over 20,000 yuan ($2,751) for environment improvement.
It's now become a multifunctional cultural practice area that integrates a reading area, classroom, tea tasting, art activities and more.
The small courtyard is open on the weekends and Hong has volunteered to teach children calligraphy and chess.
To date, over 300 students have studied in the facility.
In addition, the community's affairs discussion meetings and conflict mediation meetings are usually held in Hong's shared cabin because of his popularity.
Led by Hong, a volunteer service station was established in the local community in 2022, attracting the participation of 30 people, including lawyers, merchants and college students.
Over 180 diverse volunteer services that offer lectures, public welfare services and business district governance have been held there since then.
People read in the shared community space. [Photo/WeChat account: weihailing0523]