A three-year-old Labrador named Aiju on May 15 became the first guide dog to set paw in the press hall of China's State Council Information Office in Beijing.

Aiju accompanied Wang Zhihua, a visually impaired accessibility advocate, to a meet-the-press event ahead of China's National Day for Helping the Disabled.

Wang said guide dogs provide not just spatial direction but also companionship and emotional support. He is hoping to raise awareness of the animals' crucial role and the need for barrier-free travel.