Wuxi, a model for civilized city construction

The city of Wuxi, Jiangsu province, which was designated a national civilized city in February, 2015, is striving to improve its civilization level.

In 1980, Wuxi No 34 Middle School took the lead in the development of campus civilization by instructing students to practice good manners and etiquette. This laid the foundation for the nation's subsequent civilization promotion activities.

The slogan -- five emphases, four points of beauty and three loves -- refers to an emphasis on decorum, manners, hygiene, discipline and morals, beauty of the mind, language, behavior and environment and love of the motherland, socialism and the Communist Party, which has been deeply rooted among the people over the past four decades.

In 2015, Wuxi achieved the title of national civilized city, the highest honor reflecting a city's comprehensive strength and core competitiveness.

Two years later, Wuxi became the first National Civilized City cluster of China after its subordinate cities of Jiangyin and Yixing were recognized as well by the central government.

In December 2018, the local government released regulations to normalize and promote civilized behaviors.

Looking back to the past, it is obvious that many improvements have been made to improve the overall standard of living in Wuxi.

From public toilets to traditional markets selling agricultural products to public rubbish bins, there are numerous metrics by which one can gauge the improvements.

Chen Baoyuan, 82, who has lived in the Caozhang community, Liangxi district for decades, said he was surprised to witness so many changes to the living environment over the past months.

For years, people living in the area have had to deal with problems created by mosquitoes and mice during the summer. The situation has improved after a State-owned property company took over Caozhang community in August.

The new property company has helped to clean up rubbish, rejuvenate vegetation and provide timely assistant to residents in need.

Officials said such improvements will be introduced to more old communities in Wuxi to benefit thousands of citizens.