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Visitors rest at the facility built on the site of an old restroom in Jiaxing, Zhejiang province. YANG FEIYUE/CHINA DAILY

Li Shenyu was making mooncakes with a group of women at a special facility in Jiaxing in East China's Zhejiang province in mid-September.

It was a community event for Mid-Autumn Festival.

"It is good to have a nice place for such activities that is free to use," says Li, who lives in the neighborhood.

The facility, located on the city's Xinxing Street, was built on the site of an old public toilet and offers a fresh, repurposed venue for coffee and a spacious library.

Local residents can enjoy free access to the space, take a break after answering the call of nature or simply hang out with friends.

Many elderly people drop by after their routine morning exercises, and young people come and chat over coffee, Li says.

"Parents also bring their children to read here."

The recreational area was part of Jiaxing's efforts to upgrade the image, function and services of old public toilets, while improving leisure and reading facilities.

To date, the city has built 18 similar centers that provide toilets, as well as free drinking water, book rentals, wireless internet access, sewing kits and first-aid items.

Each features a distinctive local culture.

The Xinxing street facility centers around architectural art and highlights the changes in urban development via a photo exhibition.

The recreational area on the city's Sanyuan Road offers wheelchairs and crutches for elderly residents. Monthly medical diagnoses are also available for free.

The Changzhengqiao facility sits at the intersection of Binhe and Fanggong roads, and is filled with elements related to bridges. Visitors can view more than 40 photos of local historical bridges that reflect Jiaxing's development over the years.

The facility on Wanghu Road showcases local intangible cultural heritage, including paper cutting, leather-silhouette shows and crafts involving silkworms and mulberries. Visitors can also engage in related activities.

"We strive to highlight Jiaxing's unique characteristics through the recreational facility and offer residents a place to take time off and have fun," says Zhang Jiahuan, an employee with the facility on Xinxing Street.

At the same time, the local government has stepped up efforts in roadside environment and sanitation.

A total of 17 recreational facilities will be completed this year, according to local authorities.