Zhangjiagang is the only county-level city to be honored with the title of "national civilized city" for four consecutive years.

Part of the reason for this is its volunteer spirit, which is something that distinguishes Zhangjiagang from other places in China, said Wang Fei, deputy-director of the city's volunteer service guidance center.

"We attach more importance to volunteer work in daily life. During big events such as exhibitions, sports games or on special days for seniors or the needy, volunteers can look more like performers."

Compared with other cities in the Yangtze River Delta, Zhangjiagang's economic rise came about in the late 1990s. A desire to help one another and the perseverance shown by local people in their pursuit of economic success are the roots of Zhangjiagang's volunteer spirit, local residents said.

"With economic growth, there are people who have both money and time. They form the core of our volunteers," said Yang Fang, director of the Zhangjiagang government's information office.

Zhang Ling, a 50-year-old businesswoman, has done more than 1,300 hours of volunteer work since 2013, and is currently Zhangjiagang's star volunteer. "I have plenty of spare time before I have to look after my grandchildren. Why not do something to help the community?" she said.

Zhang Ling (woman in the center) has done more than 1,300 hours of volunteer work. The photo was taken from the birthday party she held for a migrant worker's child. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]