Being selected among the second batch of National Child-Friendly Cities in 2023, Quzhou in East China's Zhejiang province has been actively advancing its initiatives to create a nurturing environment for children.

According to the Quzhou Women's Federation, the city has achieved remarkable results, including over 20 pioneering institutional practices, the establishment of more than 190 child-friendly spaces, and several unique experiences recognized in national reports.

Quzhou's Children's Observation Group has become a significant platform for young voices. Fang Xiangyi, a member, proposed building covered walkways at school entrances, which was later included in the city's top 10 public welfare projects. To date, 68 such walkways have been constructed.

The city has organized more than 1,500 activities for over 200 groups, promoting over 1,000 suggestions put forward by children, including dedicated bus lines and child-friendly reading zones.

Quzhou has integrated its rich Southern Confucian culture with child-friendly initiatives and carried out a series of infrastructure projects to create child-friendly spaces. Major projects worth 25.8 billion yuan ($3.59 billion) have expanded child activity spaces by 350,000 square meters. The Xinqiao Street's child-friendly block exemplifies such efforts, featuring child-friendly amenities and regular cultural activities.

The city has also addressed urban-rural disparities with innovative initiatives like transforming natural spaces in rural areas into safe play areas and establishing a "half-hour public service circle" to enhance children's access to healthcare and high-quality educational resources.

Quzhou's efforts extend beyond children, addressing the needs of young parents and the elderly. Initiatives like the "Smart School Bus" system and community spaces that blend childcare with elder care reflect a holistic approach to urban development.