Wang Yuanyuan

    cheekywang@hotmail.com

    THE 2011 Universiade may have finished over two years ago, but U Stations, which are still running across the city, have become the city’s highlight.

    The U Stations are volunteer information stations that offer free services to residents in local communities, hiking paths, recreation venues and major areas. At present, there are 58 U Stations across the city with more expected to be built for voluntary services.

    With the development of the city’s voluntary work, the U Stations are now no longer just a place to share information. More and more creative and special services are explored at the U Stations for different purposes.

    For example, several Community U Stations have now become the most popular places for children and parents over the summer vacation. Children can do homework and play with other children there, while volunteers also offer English, painting and taekwondo courses.

    Another special type of U Station — Hiking Track U Station — is also very popular. These U Stations are often built along the city’s major hiking tracks, offering services to hikers.

    According to Shenzhen Volunteer Association, most of the volunteers at these U Stations are members from mountaineering associations and clubs. Not only do they offer hiking and mountaineering knowledge to hikers, they would also help with rescue work if necessary.

    According to the association, the city plans to build 50 U Stations with special functions this year and all communities in the city will have at least one Community U Station by 2015.