From community lectures under ancient trees to volunteers in red vests, a variety of civic practice activities are enriching the lives of residents. From the warmth of "care stations" to the laughter in "filial piety canteens," a sense of community care permeates the streets and blends into daily life. Civility represents the inner character of a city, providing enduring momentum for its development.
The urban area of Ankang is set along the banks of a river. The city has coordinated efforts in nurturing civility, practicing civic values, and promoting cultural development to enhance both the appearance and substance of urban and rural areas. Across the Qinling Mountains and Han River region, scenes of ethical conduct and moral uplift are visible, with a refreshing atmosphere of civility becoming increasingly prominent.
Exemplary figures are leading the way, making acts of filial piety and kindness commonplace. At the Ankang Ciyou Rehabilitation and Care Service Center, more than ten children with disabilities are creating diamond paintings under the guidance of staff. Diamond painting involves placing crystal-like materials onto a canvas to create intricate images. Peonies in full bloom, peacocks displaying their feathers, and picturesque landscapes come to life through the skillful hands of the children.
"Creating diamond paintings helps develop the children's artistic creativity, improves hand-eye coordination, and enhances their concentration," said Wang Yuanfeng, head of the center. He noted that many children initially found it difficult to focus, but through step-by-step guidance and repetitive practice, they have produced surprisingly impressive works. Today, the children's artwork not only adorns the studio but has also gained appreciation and recognition from a wider audience.
"Some of the diamond paintings are sold or auctioned for charity, with the proceeds used to support the families of children with disabilities. This also helps parents realize that their children can become self-reliant through acquiring skills," Wang added. In 2018, Wang established the center to provide rehabilitation training, daytime care, and skill development for children with disabilities. Over the past eight years, more than 200 children have received care and training, enabling them to better adapt to life and integrate into society, with some achieving stable employment.
Wang has been recognized with honors such as National Outstanding Volunteer and Shaanxi Provincial Moral Model. "Every child with a disability is like an angel with broken wings, deserving of deep love. We hope that through collective efforts, they can live with dignity," he said.
Small acts of kindness, when combined, can create a significant impact. In recent years, Ankang has intensified efforts to promote filial piety and virtuous deeds, widely publicizing moral models and exemplary figures to foster an environment of ethical conduct and moral aspiration. Everyday heroes and commendable individuals continue to emerge throughout the city.
Ankang's Zhenping County recently hosted the release ceremony for the fourth-quarter 2024 "Shaanxi Good People" list. "Seeing the Hu family persevere and the children grow into capable individuals, I feel I have honored my promise to Xiao Hu and stayed true to my conscience," said Chen Dengfa.
To date, Ankang has produced one national moral model, 38 provincial moral models, 68 individuals recognized as "China Good People," 175 as "Shaanxi Good People," 254 individuals or groups as municipal moral models, and 512 individuals or groups as "Ankang Good People." The local government has established long-term mechanisms to honor and support these exemplary figures, implementing detailed incentives and care measures to ensure they feel valued, thereby inspiring more people to emulate their virtues.
Civic practices are deeply embedded in daily life, bringing warmth to both urban and rural areas. Early in the morning, the Garden Community Party-Mass Service Center in Ankang High-tech Zone buzzes with activity. In the calligraphy room, enthusiasts volunteer to teach "calligraphy mini-classes"; in the dance studio, members of the community senior university move to the rhythm with light steps; and in the mediation room, the Colorful Silver-Age Volunteer Team resolves disputes between neighbors.
"Cultural activities are held daily, and volunteer services are regularly organized, making life increasingly vibrant," said Zhang Daku, a 68-year-old resident. Garden Community is a large resettlement area with many elderly residents and students. To address diverse public needs, the community upgraded its service center in 2024 based on the principle of "minimizing office space and maximizing service areas," establishing new spaces such as a civic practice station, a youth activity room, a dance studio, and a community gathering point.
Previously underutilized and functionally limited administrative spaces have been transformed into essential service hubs for residents. Civic practices extend wherever people are. Currently, Ankang has established 12 civic practice centers, 138 sub-centers, and 1,915 community stations, with 89,000 registered volunteers. Through a "request-dispatch-accept-review" model, over 30,000 civic activities were conducted last year, serving more than two million people.
In Mogou Village, Xihe Town, Pingli County, a 1,500-year-old cork oak tree stands witness to evolving rural customs. In the past, villagers often tied red ribbons to the tree and set off firecrackers beneath it for blessings. Today, the tree serves as a venue for lectures, storytelling sessions, community meetings, and musical performances, creating a new platform for civic engagement.
"Local dignitaries and cultural volunteers use the tree as a gathering spot to discuss policies, resolve conflicts, highlight exemplary behavior, and organize performances. The participation enthusiasm among villagers is very high," said Chen Shirong, an elderly resident living near the tree. He noted that conflicts have decreased, social风气 has improved, and life has become more pleasant.
The cheers of village sports events ignite rural enthusiasm, while new customs free communities from burdensome traditions, reflecting the positive spirit of modern farmers. By innovating activity formats, enriching services, and emphasizing public participation, civic practices are becoming integral to urban and rural life, touching the hearts of residents.
Meticulous governance is enhancing the quality of life. Around noon, sanitation worker Xiang Mingling finished her cleaning duties and entered the "Happy Ankang Care Station" at the Hanbin District Tax Bureau on South Ring Road. After washing her hands, she placed her lunchbox in a microwave oven. Soon, a hot meal was ready on the table.
"It's a great place to rest when tired, heat a meal when hungry, or get a drink when thirsty—especially welcoming in winter," Xiang said as she ate and chatted with colleagues. The 150-square-meter station is equipped with microwaves, water dispensers, chargers, first-aid kits, and other amenities. It also includes a reading room and a mother-and-child care room to meet the diverse needs of residents and outdoor workers.
"Sanitation workers, couriers, volunteers, and delivery personnel can rest, hydrate, eat, and read here, addressing practical challenges like finding places to eat, drink, or use restrooms. We are continuously improving facilities and services to enhance management precision," said Feng Tao, deputy director of the Hanbin District Tax Bureau.
Such care stations, offering cooling in summer, warmth in winter, and phone charging, are common throughout Ankang. The city has now established over 80 stations, providing a warm refuge for outdoor workers and adding a human touch to urban management.
Elderly residents dine at the "Filial Piety Canteen" in Peixin Street Community, Hanbin District. The city's civility is reflected in incremental changes across neighborhoods and in the tangible sense of fulfillment and happiness among residents. Farmers' markets have been upgraded to address hygiene issues while facilitating daily life; old residential communities have been renovated inside and out, significantly improving living conditions; and backstreets have been revitalized, becoming popular spots that preserve historical memories and local stories.
A village sports event takes place in Langao. These detailed improvements weave a vast web of public well-being. In its pursuit of cultural and ethical standards, Ankang has committed to sustained, meticulous efforts—addressing urban governance challenges while preserving the warmth of community life. This approach has brightened the city's civilized character, deepened its substance, and highlighted its distinct features, ensuring that the benefits of cultural development reach more people.