As one of the second batch of cities selected for China's national child-friendly city initiative, Hefei has in recent years integrated child-friendly concepts into its urban planning, building diverse child-friendly facilities to protect children's rights and enhance their well-being.

A kindergarten in the National High-Tech Industry Development Zone, Hefei city, Anhui province. [Photo/WeChat account: hefeigaoxinfabu]

In the Hefei National High-Tech Industry Development Zone, the Tianle Center included child-friendly design into its spatial layout, setting up seven functional areas including a family reading room, a children's science museum, a picture book library, a handicraft area, and a fitness activity area.

The Shulu Center, located near the Dashu Mountain Forest Park, offers a range of child-focused venues, such as a library and a science museum, drawing more than 30,000 visits annually.

The Changning Center constructed a flower field covering over 400 mu (26.67 hectares), 13 indoor children's centers, and 25 outdoor playgrounds. It also collaborated with local hospitals and enterprises to set up a comprehensive protection network, safeguarding children's all-round development. 

In July, the zone launched the Children-friendly Growth Camp, tapping into the resources of local universities, research institutions, and key enterprises. The camp organized a number of science outreach activities that proved hugely popular with both parents and children.