A city’s approach to children reflects its warmth and inclusivity. Since embarking on the journey to become a national child-friendly city in 2022, Jinhua City in Zhejiang Province has woven “child-friendliness” into every aspect of urban planning, governance, and community life. Leading this initiative is a dedicated task force, co-chaired by the municipal Party Secretary and the Mayor, with 43 departments actively contributing to six specialized working groups focused on creating child-friendly environments. Party Secretary Zhu Zhonglie has convened sessions to oversee the program’s progress, and Mayor Zhang Jian has directed citywide efforts to accelerate the initiative.

Jinhua’s child-friendly vision, “Seeing the City from One Meter High,” emphasizes the city’s commitment across six areas: supportive policies, public services, rights protection, growth spaces, development-friendly environments, and industry ecosystems. The city has implemented numerous child-friendly pilot units, creating tangible spaces where children can thrive across Jinhua. One such place is Huhaitang Park, where nine-year-old Yang Shengyi plays with friends on slides, spinning chairs, and open soccer fields.

Expanding and Enhancing Child-Friendly Services and Infrastructure

To turn “Childhood Together, Jinhua Brilliance” into a reality, Jinhua has rolled out a comprehensive plan from 2022 to 2024. This includes the development of child-friendly schools, hospitals, and parks as key milestones in public initiatives, with more than 63 policies supporting 29 action steps. To date, Jinhua has completed 138 projects and developed 345 child-friendly pilot units. These include 83 child-friendly schools, 34 parks, and 30 hospitals, all designed to increase the sense of belonging, safety, and happiness among Jinhua’s 1.4 million children. Additionally, 159 pilot projects launched in 2024 are 95% complete, including child-friendly rural areas and communities set for completion by the end of November.

Inclusive Early Childhood Education and Science Education Initiatives

Early childhood education has been expanded through affordable childcare facilities like the Xinjesi Daycare Center in Wucheng District, offering services for children aged two to 36 months. Jinhua now has 745 daycare institutions with over 31,700 childcare slots, meeting 95% of township-level demand. To enhance educational quality, Jinhua has established a training network for infant care, reaching nearly 5,000 trainees and offering over 8,000 parenting workshops.

For older children, Jinhua has implemented hands-on science education, like the programs at Huhaitang Elementary School, where students explore historic architecture and modern agricultural techniques. These initiatives are part of Jinhua’s broader five-year Science Education Program, which includes building 100 science centers, selecting 200 science education bases, and organizing over 100 youth science fairs to foster scientific curiosity and critical thinking.

Promoting Children’s Literature to Illuminate the Future

Jinhua’s rich tradition in children’s literature, with classic works like “The Magic Brush” by Hong Xintao, has earned it a reputation as a literary hub. The city inaugurated the Lubing Children’s Literature Museum in 2023 and regularly organizes literary events to inspire and cultivate young readers. Additionally, Jinhua’s “Children’s Literature for All” initiative brings literature into communities, fostering cultural confidence among children and promoting local authors’ work.

Pioneering Child-Friendly Public Transport

In 2023, Jinhua launched its first child-friendly bus route, Route 19, serving areas frequented by children such as schools and parks. These buses feature bright designs, child seats, and educational messages. Jinhua has also developed national standards for child-friendly bus lines and plans to upgrade key school routes to enhance children’s commuting safety. In total, Jinhua now has nine child-friendly bus routes, offering dedicated and timely services for children and families.

Supporting Vulnerable Children through the “Caring Mothers” Program

The “Caring Mothers” initiative is part of Jinhua’s comprehensive support system for vulnerable and left-behind children, pairing these children with volunteers who provide guidance, companionship, and essential items. Jinhua’s Women’s Federation developed a system to match volunteers with families in need, including over 7,000 child advocates. The Federation also provides academic tutoring, mental health support, and safe spaces for children, aiming to bridge gaps in family support for vulnerable children across the city.

Encouraging Children to Participate in Community Development

Jinhua’s schools and communities offer children direct involvement in urban planning, with activities like “Junior Planners” workshops, where children use 3D models to design community spaces. Observing from “one meter high,” children propose improvements for schools and parks, giving city planners invaluable insights. Jinhua has issued guidelines for creating standardized child-friendly spaces across 345 sites, integrating children’s perspectives into urban design and policy decisions.

Leveraging Digital Tools for Child Protection

The “Jinbao-Wei” digital platform uses data to identify and support children in need by analyzing information from six municipal departments, effectively assisting with early intervention. Jinhua’s use of big data for protecting minors has set a benchmark in Zhejiang Province, saving time and resources. The app has helped over 7,000 children to date by facilitating coordination among nearly 5,000 child welfare professionals.

Jinhua’s vision for a “Child-Friendly City” underscores the city’s commitment to meeting the diverse needs of every child. By integrating child-friendly concepts into all aspects of urban life, Jinhua is building a more inclusive, vibrant future—creating a welcoming, supportive community for children today and tomorrow.