BY JOY OFASIA IN GUIZHOU PROVINCE, CHINA
The Government of the People’s Republic of China, through its Embassy in Honiara, invited six journalists from the Solomon Islands mainstream media and three government officials to take part in a media and people-to-people exchange study tour in Guizhou Province, China.
This week, the delegation from the Solomon Islands visiting China’s Guizhou Province received a firsthand look at grassroots community governance during their visit to Jinyuan Community in Guanshanhu District, Guiyang.
The delegation toured the community to better understand how local residents live and how government services contribute to their wellbeing. Community leaders welcomed the visitors and provided an overview of the community’s development, governance structure, and social services.
During the visit, Mrs Xia, Party Chief of Jinyuan Community, highlighted the significance of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Jinyuan Community in February 2021. The delegation was shown several locations associated with the presidential visit, which remain important landmarks for residents.
President Xi Jinping’s visit focused on grassroots Party building, public services, and the welfare of local residents ahead of the Lunar New Year.
Community representatives also introduced upcoming cultural and social events designed to strengthen social cohesion and encourage participation among residents. The delegation learned how Jinyuan Community promotes a sense of belonging and aims to create a peaceful environment where residents can relax, interact, and enjoy community life.
A key focus of the tour was the community’s support system for senior citizens. Visitors observed facilities and programs dedicated to elderly residents, including recreational activities, cultural programs, and community services that encourage healthy and active lifestyles.
Local officials explained that senior citizens regularly participate in activities such as tai chi, calligraphy, music, dance, and fitness programs, helping to maintain both physical and mental wellbeing.
The delegation was particularly impressed by the community’s digital governance system. Residents can use QR codes to raise concerns, report issues, and communicate directly with community authorities. According to local officials, the system enables faster responses to residents’ needs and improves efficiency in community management.
Jinyuan Community is widely regarded as an example of China’s grassroots governance model, where residents, community organizations, and local authorities work closely together to address social issues and improve public services.
Officials explained that cooperation between community governance structures and the Communist Party helps coordinate services ranging from elderly care and public welfare to cultural activities and neighbourhood management.
Located within Guanshanhu District, one of Guiyang’s fastest-growing urban districts, Jinyuan Community is home to approximately 3,585 households and more than 11,000 residents. Around 17 percent of the population is aged 60 and above, making elderly care an important priority for local administrators.
Members of the Solomon Islands media delegation said the visit provided valuable insights into how community-level governance operates in China, particularly the integration of digital tools, social services, and citizen engagement in local administration.
The visit formed part of the delegation’s broader study tour of Guizhou Province, aimed at strengthening understanding and exchanges between the Solomon Islands and China while exploring developments in governance, culture, technology, and social services.
One journalist said, “The visit helped us understand how communities in China use technology and care systems to improve daily life for residents and elderly people every day there too.”
