Forum sheds light on townships

TOWNSHIP governments across the Yangtze River Delta region will work together to develop innovative management methods to drive the integrated development of the region.

Some 500 township directors and officials across China shared their experiences on social management over the weekend at the second China Township Director Forum in Shanghai’s 700-year-old Luodian Town in Baoshan District.

Themed on “refined management,” the officials with China’s grassroots government bodies presented their best practices at the forum.

China has about 20,000 towns, 10,000 villages and 8,000 subdistricts. These basiclevel government bodies ensure the nation’s management and future development.

An ecology and greenery demonstration zone has been established in the delta region to ensure cooperation among towns and villages , said Zhang Zhongwei, deputy director of the zone.

Qu Xinchang, Party secretary of Luodian, shared his experiences of township and subdistrict developments.

Luodian dates back to the Yuan Dynasty (1206-1368) and was once the biggest marketplace in the area, known as “Golden Luodian,” but the “golden” tag gradually faded amid urban development.

To restore its historic feel, the township built modern residential communities to improve the living conditions of local people and eco-friendly industrial parks, and began luring tourists to its old sites.

Volunteers and thirdparty firms help manage the communities, Qu said. Residents and villagers are encouraged to take part in social management.

In a 4.7-square-kilometer area around Luodian ancient town, historical structures will be restored to their original look.

The area around Meilan Lake where the forum is being held will feature a Nordic-style recreation town with sports facilities, high-end businesses and commercial facilities.

Quality education and medical resources will also be introduced, officials said.