Ningbo's community-run enterprises transform public spaces

Locals attend a free opera training session in Ningbo, Zhejiang province. [Photo/Tide News]

Ningbo in East China's Zhejiang province has launched 26 "community enterprises" aimed at reinvesting profits into neighborhood development, according to Tide News on Jan 10.

These enterprises use innovative business models to provide tailored services, from community dining and after-school care to job counseling and night schools.

Designed to empower communities and enhance public spaces, these resident-focused ventures are gaining momentum. Ningbo is now evaluating more neighborhoods for expansion, with small and local enterprises quietly taking root citywide.

At a municipal seminar in November 2024, Miao Qing, a professor at Zhejiang University's School of Public Affairs, called Ningbo a trailblazer in the field. "This model strengthens communities and advances local governance," Miao said.