The juweihui, or neighborhood committee, represents the lowest tier of urban administration on the Chinese mainland. These committees ensure the smooth operation of apartment complexes, managing daily affairs for residents under their jurisdiction.
Andy Boreham, a New Zealand vlogger residing in Shanghai, sought to gain a deeper understanding of juweihui by volunteering a day at the Guilinyuan Community in Xuhui District. This neighborhood committee oversees three residential compounds housing approximately 3,200 residents.
During his day of volunteering, Boreham engaged in various activities including inspecting a trash sorting station, distributing handwritten Fu (good fortune) characters painted on red paper to elderly residents, conducting safety inspections alongside a local police officer, and participating in a meeting with experts focused on maintaining the community's green initiatives.
Boreham's experience highlights just a fraction of the responsibilities managed by juweihui committees. With thousands of neighborhood committees across Shanghai, they play a pivotal role in ensuring the efficient functioning and well-being of communities comprising thousands of residents each.
Reference(s):
Volunteering with China's most grassroots level of government
cgtn.com
