China adopts a “one-meter perspective” in designing child-friendly cities to improve safety, accessibility, and children’s daily experiences.
In recent years, China has begun designing public spaces from a child’s perspective, seeing cities from “one meter above the ground.”
A New Way to Look at Cities
Recently, authorities released a guideline to promote child-friendly development. It calls for planners to adopt a “one-meter perspective” in spatial planning and urban renewal.
In practice, this means viewing the city from a child’s eye level. At around one meter tall, children experience public spaces very differently. For example, buttons may be too high, sightlines may be blocked, and facilities may be difficult to use.
As a result, planners are now asking a simple question: can children see it, reach it, and use it safely?
Turning Ideas into Everyday Changes
Across China, some cities have already taken significant steps, and the approach is now being applied more widely across the country.
In Fuzhou, metro stations now feature low service counters, child-sized sinks, and toilets. Moreover, clearly marked “child-friendly lanes” guide children under 1.3 meters, helping them move through stations safely and independently.
In Shanghai, a children’s library has adjusted bookshelf heights so young readers can easily reach books. These adjustments encourage children to explore reading on their own.
Meanwhile, in Guangzhou, an unused corner once filled with garbage has been turned into a covered play area. As a result, even on rainy days, children now have a safe and accessible place to play.
From Design to Participation
The “one-meter perspective” is also influencing how cities are governed.
In several regions, children are taking part in community affairs. Programs such as child councils and youth participation initiatives allow them to share ideas and express their needs. In some cases, children even help monitor food safety in school cafeterias or observe local management practices.
Therefore, children are no longer just passive users of public services. Instead, they are becoming active participants in shaping their communities.
At the same time, experts warn that child-friendly development should not be treated as simply adding more facilities. Without better integration, such efforts may remain superficial. Cities need to rethink how space is organised and how different age groups can share it.
Building for the Future
According to China’s latest national census, the country has around 250 million children aged 0 to 14. This large population makes child-friendly design an important long-term priority.
China has set clear goals. By 2035, more than half of cities with over one million residents are expected to adopt such approaches. More broadly, this effort aligns with global initiatives promoted by UNICEF to build child-friendly cities.
By designing cities from a child’s perspective, public spaces become safer, easier to navigate, and more enjoyable for everyone.
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