Qingdao is developing a number of convenient "15-minute community life circles" to bring everyday services right to residents' doorsteps. So far, 195 such circles have been completed across the city, covering more than 3.2 million residents with over 19,000 service outlets. These circles provide a wide range of basic and quality-of-life services, including healthcare, elderly care, education, shopping, dining, and recreation.

For residents like Li Li from Licang district, Qingdao, the convenience is tangible. She orders groceries via an app for delivery right when she arrives home, and on weekends, she walks to a nearby community supermarket for fresh meals.

At the Luohulu community in Laoshan district, a summer daycare program keeps children engaged with calligraphy and crafts, easing the childcare burden for working parents. In Shinan district, the Badahu Community Center — renovated from an idle building — now hosts more than 60 merchants serving over 90,000 residents within a 15-minute radius. It also offers elderly dining and free summer study spaces for children.

With plans to expand to 230 circles by the end of this year, Qingdao is integrating smart platforms and one-stop services to make community life more efficient, inclusive, and vibrant.

Residents enjoy summer daycare, dining, and shopping services within a 15-minute walk in Qingdao's community life circles. [Photo/Guanhai News]