On March 25, the Changzhou Women’s Federation announced a significant milestone—the city’s child-friendly development initiatives and its Changzhou Regulation on Child-Friendly City Development have been included in China’s National Compendium of Child-Friendly City Practices and Measures. This compendium, jointly issued by the National Development and Reform Commission, the State Council’s Working Committee on Women and Children, and the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, identifies 18 exemplary policies spanning seven key categories for nationwide replication.

A landmark in urban policy

Having taken effect on September 1, 2024, the Changzhou Regulation established China's first local legislation explicitly focused on child-friendly urban development. Building upon national guidelines, the regulation set forth five foundational principles emphasizing spatial planning, equitable public services, and a comprehensive institutional framework - creating measurable, enforceable standards for urban development.

Mobilizing the entire community

Recognizing that child-friendly cities require cross-sector coordination, the regulation established clear mechanisms for cooperation between government agencies, businesses, social organizations, and residents. It clarified governmental responsibilities through a detailed Duty Checklist while actively encouraging private sector participation. Notably, it institutionalized youth participation in urban planning, creating formal channels for children to contribute to decisions affecting their communities.

Sustainable systems for lasting impact

Approaching child-friendly development as a long-term commitment, the regulation mandated specialized urban master plans and sector-specific standards for implementation. Its spatial planning framework operates at three levels - municipal, neighborhood, and community - with specific design requirements for new projects, renovations, and urban renewal initiatives. Public service enhancements prioritized developmental milestones, particularly the critical first 1,000 days, through comprehensive early childhood support systems and expanded access to age-appropriate facilities.

Strengthening the social fabric

Beyond infrastructure, the regulation reinforced the broader ecosystem supporting child development. It affirmed government support for family units while underscoring parental responsibilities, encouraged community-based child welfare programs, and established rigorous safety protocols to create protective environments throughout the city.

Ensuring accountability through innovation

The legislation introduced several groundbreaking accountability mechanisms, including child-focused evaluation frameworks for urban projects, dedicated funding mechanisms for implementation, professional development programs, public participation channels for progress monitoring, and legislative oversight procedures.

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