In spring, the historical city of Yangzhou in East China's Jiangsu province is bustling with visitors.

"Welcome to Qionghuaguan community!" greets a short-haired, spirited woman with a warm smile and infectious energy. At 66 years old, she looks much younger than her age.

Her name is Li Hua, the former Party secretary and director of the Qionghuaguan community in Guangling district of Yangzhou. Speaking of Li, local residents always raise their thumbs in admiration.

With over 30 years of dedicated community work, seven consecutive terms as a deputy to the Guangling District People's Congress, and a family legacy spanning three generations rooted in community service for over 70 years, her commitment to serving the people is truly inspiring.

Li Hua, the former Party secretary and director of the Qionghuaguan community in Guangling district of Yangzhou city in East China's Jiangsu province, and a former deputy to the Guangling District People's Congress, shares the stories of her community. [Photo provided to npc.gov.cn]

Reflecting on her career, Li emphasized the importance of having not just strategies and solutions but, more importantly, a genuine commitment and passion for the work she did.

Li's journey as a community worker was initially influenced by her mother, Xie Xuezhu. In 1952, when Yangzhou established its first residents' committee, Xie was elected as its director.

At that time, there was no proper office space, and her home was also the office. In Li's childhood memories, their home also served as a support center for the elderly and those in need. "I basically grew up in the residents' committee," Li said.

"I didn't understand it at first, but she told us,' being able to help others means you are capable, and it gives your life value. One should strive to be someone useful to the society.'"Her mother's example left a lasting impact on Li. Following in her mother's footsteps, Li took over as the director of the Qionghuaguan Residents' Committee in 1999.

Xie Xuezhu (the third from the right), Li Hua's mother, leads residents in handcraft work, providing employment opportunities for families in need and people with disabilities. [Photo provided to npc.gov.cn]

Under Li's leadership, the community achieved numerous milestones, and pioneered over 10 "firsts" in community development in Yangzhou.

From pioneering the establishment of charity supermarket to initiatives like the employment promotion project, the elderly care center and afterschool activities, Li's innovative approaches brought tangible benefits to local residents.

In order to improve the living environment, Li paid close attention to details. Over the years, the community has undergone a remarkable transformation from an aging community with outdated infrastructure to a national demonstration community for civilization, blending rich cultural heritage with modern living, and earning more than 20 national-level honors.

In 2007, Li and five Qionghuaguan residents were invited to speak at a forum organized by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme to share their inspiring story of renovating the ancient city alleys.

"What residents hope for is what the community committee must do,"Li emphasized how the community is at the forefront of serving its people, tackling complex and nuanced tasks. Rather than relying solely on intuition, it is crucial to focus closely on the essential needs of the community, genuinely bringing the residents a sense of happiness, she said.

Qionghuaguan community partners with medical institutions to organize regular charity health camps, providing residents with free medical services and personalized health advice. [Photo provided to npc.gov.cn]

 From 1990 to 2021, Li was elected as a deputy to the Guangling District People's Congress for seven consecutive terms.

"It was an honor and a responsibility," she said, "I was proud to be chosen by the people, but I also felt the pressure—worried I wasn't doing enough to meet the expectations of the Party and the people.”

This combo photo shows transformation of the historic Dongguan street in Qionghuaguan community. During her tenure as a deputy to the Guangling District People's Congress, Li Hua championed the revitalization of the street, transforming its aging facades into a vibrant cultural landmark.[Photo provided to npc.gov.cn]

Over her 31-year tenure, she has been devoted to serving the people wholeheartedly and diligently safeguarding the immediate interests of local residents.

From repurposing unused buildings for community service to improving the treatment of community workers, solving these real-life, high-impact issues has been central to her work.

She actively sought the opinions of local residents, promptly formulated suggestions and actively worked towards resolving issues, embodying the pledge that "a deputy elected by the people should serve the people" through her tangible actions.

Li also actively engaged in soliciting opinions at the local outreach office for legislators in her community. During the legislative processes of local regulations such as a provincial-level regulation on elderly care services and a municipal-level regulation on protection of ancient urban landscape, discussions were held in the Qionghuaguan community to gather opinions and suggestions from residents to ensure that legislation aligns with local conditions and reflects the will of the people.

When asked about her reflections on serving as a deputy to the people's congress for many years, Li said: "Whether it's being a deputy or being a community worker, the ultimate goal is the same, to solve problems for the people and serve them wholeheartedly."

"Although the community is not an administrative body, in the eyes of many residents, we, as community workers, represent the image of the Party and the government," Li said. "By working effectively, the bond between the people and the Party as well as the government deepens."

Before retiring, Li encouraged her daughter-in-law to join in community work, upholding the legacy of her family.

Li Hua (first from the right) and her daughter-in-law Wang Jing (second from the right) prepare vegetables in the kitchen of the Silver Hair Canteen of the Qionghuaguan community. [Photo provided to npc.gov.cn]

The community work is at the forefront of national governance, serving as the foundation for modernizing the national governance system. China has over 2.77 million deputies to the people’s congresses at all five levels, including around 2.62 million at the county and township levels who are most familiar with grassroots realities. They understand the aspirations of the people and play a crucial role in the grassroots governance system.

On April 14, Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, inspected Yangzhou, where he engaged in face-to-face exchanges with grassroots deputies, including Li. He inquired about the concerns and expectations of the people and the progress in grassroots governance, highly affirming their efforts in serving the people and fulfilling their duties as deputies to the people's congresses while enhancing their connection with the people.

Li Hua (right in the first row) and Wang Jing (left in the first row) promote handicrafts made by people with disabilities during a live streaming. In July 2024, the Qionghuaguan community conducted a live streaming to promote employment of people with disabilities. [Photo provided to npc.gov.cn]

With over 30 years of experience in community work, Li remains deeply passionate about grassroots service. She said: "To excel in grassroots and community work, one must exchange sincerity for sincerity and treat the people as family. Community work is complex and full of challenges, but the happy faces of the residents make all the hardships worthwhile."

"Yangzhou is a remarkable city, and Qionghuaguan a flourishing community!" Such affirmations would always bring a pleased smile to her face.

Li Hua (left) talks with a local resident at the entrance of the Qionghuaguan community service center. [Photo provided to npc.gov.cn]

Li Xiaojian, Feng Tian and Gong Yixi contributed to this story.