SZ builds '15-minute childcare circle'

Shenzhen is a young city, with residents averaging 32.5 years old. To help eligible families turn “wanting to have a baby” into “daring to have one,” Shenzhen is shifting its childcare support from a long-running family-based effort to a more systematic approach — one built on government support, social participation, and professional services.

A teacher at a childcare center in Longhua District plays a game with children on April 15. Photos by Xinhua

Children listen to a teacher read a picture-book story at the Women and Children’s Building in Futian District in this Dec. 23, 2025 photo.

Today, a growing “15-minute childcare circle” is accelerating across the city, aiming to cover children during their most crucial first 1,000 days. The goal is simple: Make reliable childcare accessible near home and reduce the barriers that many parents face.

A doctor from the Huahong Community Health Center in Futian District performs therapeutic massage on a child at a childcare center in the district on April 17.

So far, Shenzhen has established 109,000 childcare spots, reaching 5.9 places per 1,000 people.

Children follow along with music as they do morning exercises at a childcare center in Futian District on April 17.