Step into China's people-centered cities: How Shanghai and Jiangsu put people first

What does a people-centered city look like? That was the question explored by 30 diplomats from 20 countries during a visit to Shanghai and Jiangsu, as part of the event "People-Centered Cities: China's Governance, Global Engagement," hosted by China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs from September 7 to 11.

The idea of putting people at the center of urban development has been repeatedly emphasized in China, including the principle that "cities should be built by the people and for the people," put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping, also General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

In Shanghai and Jiangsu, the answer can be found in communities, institutions and cities being built for the future.

Where people have a voice

Located in Shanghai's Hongqiao Subdistrict, the Gubei Civic Center brings together public services, daily-life support, cultural exchange and community governance.

Since 2016, it has also served as a grassroots legislative contact point of the Standing Committee of the Shanghai Municipal People's Congress, giving residents a direct avenue to participate in legislative consultation.

The impact can be seen in the numbers. At the broader Hongqiao Subdistrict legislative contact point, established in 2015, views have been sought on 125 draft laws, with 496 suggestions incorporated into legislation.

From voices to decisions

"Over the years, as a deputy to the Shanghai Municipal People's Congress, I have always reminded myself to pay attention to those whose voices are often unheard," said Hu Xiaoli, a deputy to the Shanghai Municipal People's Congress. 

By sharing her experience of working to improve the quality of life for Shanghai residents, including the elderly, Hu showed how listening to people's concerns can translate into practical efforts to address their needs.

Beyond the community level, the Shanghai Municipal People's Congress provides an institutional channel for bringing people's voices into the decision-making process.

As a local organ of state power, it exercises, in accordance with the law, powers including local legislation, supervision and decision-making on major matters, as well as election, appointment and dismissal.

Together, these mechanisms help connect public participation with legislation, decision-making and oversight – a key part of what China describes as whole-process people's democracy.

Putting people at the heart of development

Putting people at the center is not only about how decisions are made. It is also about what those decisions ultimately create – the places where people live, work and build their futures.

In Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP) in Jiangsu Province, high-quality development has gone hand in hand with efforts to build a modern city designed for both living and working.

In the first half of 2026, 909,000 people were employed in the park, while the per capita disposable income of urban residents reached 54,128 yuan (around $8,065), up 4.3% year on year.

Building for the future

As cities enter the age of artificial intelligence, putting people at the center also means creating new opportunities for them to connect, innovate and grow.

In Nanjing, the Jiangsu International Data Port is exploring what that future could look like. By bringing together AI, data services and cross-border cooperation, it is helping businesses turn data into new products, new connections and new possibilities.

"I'm very pleased to be here and take this tour," said Lynette Mwende Ndile, deputy ambassador of the Embassy of the Republic of Kenya in China. "Exactly like how it's said, people-centered, making your people the core of your development. And putting society first is always going to ensure success."

A voice that is heard. A decision that responds. A city that develops around people's needs. A future built around people. Together, they offer a glimpse of what a people-centered city can look like.