Child-friendly spaces brighten Chaoyang

When children celebrated International Children's Day in Beijing's Chaoyang district last Monday, many found their aging neighborhoods transformed with colorful murals, playful installations and miniature learning spaces designed just for them.

In February, the National Development and Reform Commission, along with the Office of the National Working Committee on Children and Women of the State Council, issued guidelines to promote child-friendly development throughout China.

These guidelines emphasize adapting public spaces to be more suitable for children by enhancing areas and facilities for sports, play, rest and extracurricular activities, with the ultimate goal of achieving comprehensive coverage of child-friendly spaces in neighborhoods, communities and parks.

Behind many of these changes is Li Qiuxue, a 37-year-old designer whose child-friendly renovation projects have reshaped more than 500 streets and public spaces across the district, earning her the title of national March 8 red-banner holder in 2025.

Li's designs blend play, education and environmental awareness into compact community spaces. Animal figures, cartoon characters and slides are incorporated into old residential compounds, while neglected corners are turned into interactive learning areas for children.

During a renovation project in Anzhen subdistrict, Li noticed a long wall blocked by piles of discarded materials. Seeing potential in the forgotten space, she led her team in creating environmentally themed cartoon murals aimed at raising children's awareness of science and environmental protection.

In Tuanjiehu subdistrict, an abandoned garbage storage station inspired another transformation. Li repurposed used tires into flower planters and redesigned the surrounding walls to reflect natural scenery.

"I wanted children to feel the beauty of nature through birds, flowers and greenery," she said. Li said much of her inspiration comes from her childhood in Siping, Jilin province, where access to science and art education resources was limited.

"That experience made me realize how important public spaces are for children's growth," she said.