The Tonghe government spends one million yuan on cultural and sports activities every year to improve the living standard of Tonghe residents. There are now 83 cultural and sports teams with a total membership of 15,000 people. More than 150 cultural and sports activities are held in Tonghe county annually to help residents keep fit and improve social relationships. There was a problem about organizing square dancing but the Tonghe government established a routine check-up system to manage it.
The Tonghe Calligraphers Association, established on December 15, 1990, now has 62 members. One has become a member of the Chinese Calligraphers Association, and six members of the Heilongjiang Calligraphers Association. The Tonghe association actively undertakes studies on the theoretical and practical issues of Party building, holding calligraphy exhibitions in schools, communities and barracks.
Tonghe built a study center, or "elder university" for seniors in 2012. It has five chess rooms, a Chinese chess room, a billiards room, a ping pong room, a gym, a reading room and a psychological counseling area. Over 1,200 seniors have joined as members. The center is opened every day and has monthly competitions such as poker, billiards, Chinese chess and table tennis. The University of the Third Age has classes in vocal music, keyboard, computers, dance, Suzhou embroidery and more than 17 other subjects.
It was named an "Advanced group in social education" and "Model unit in respecting aged people" in 2014, and has received special awards for education.