Chinese documentary 'Hotline Beijing' strikes a chord in Russia

The Chinese documentary "Hotline Beijing" received an enthusiastic response during a special screening tour in St. Petersburg, Russia. The event offered local audiences a window into Beijing's innovative approach to grassroots urban governance, showing how everyday citizen phone calls to the city's "12345" hotline can lead to real change on the ground.

Through vivid stories drawn from real footage, real people, and real experiences, the film illustrates how one of the world's largest cities tackles shared global challenges – from parking shortages to public service evaluations – while highlighting the warmth, empathy, and responsiveness embedded in Beijing's governance model.

Many Russian viewers praised the film for its artistic quality and its immersive portrayal of contemporary China. "Hotline Beijing" offers both practical insights and a compelling example of how responsive governance, and even AI-assisted services, can improve daily life for ordinary people.