In Ningbo's Jiangbei district, a shared kitchen program is giving stay-at-home mothers new skills, career opportunities, and a sense of community while revitalizing neighborhood spaces.

The "Shiyue Workshop" started out as a revamped senior dining center and has quickly become a hub for culinary learning and entrepreneurship. The program allows mothers to learn traditional cooking techniques from baking enthusiasts like Chen Xia, who now runs her dream food business thanks to the rent-free community space.

"I've always wanted to open a traditional food shop, but the high rent made it impossible. This community space gave me a chance to start without that burden," said Chen.

What began as a two-person team has grown into an eight-member group of mothers perfecting recipes for cookies, cakes, and Ningbo delicacies. Beyond cooking, the initiative offers opportunities for personal growth and connection.

"With my child in kindergarten, I wanted to learn something meaningful. Here, I've made friends, gained confidence, and learned a skill that could become a job or side business," one participant added.

The shared kitchen is part of Jiangbei's broader effort to create "future communities" designed to meet a wide variety of needs through adaptable spaces like children's playrooms, libraries, and senior-friendly facilities. By integrating resources and involving local talent, these neighborhoods prioritize inclusivity and functionality.

To date, 18 future communities have been completed in Jiangbei, with plans for further expansion.

"We tailor each community to residents' needs and dynamically adjust its functions to create vibrant, sustainable living environments," said a district housing official.

In Xiejia Future Community in Jiangbei district, Ningbo, a new shared kitchen called "Shiyue Workshop" becomes a gathering place for stay-at-home mothers, where they learn to make Chinese pastries. [Photo/Ningbo Daily]