An elderly couple enjoys their meal at the canteen. WU YUEXUAN/FOR CHINA DAILY

Chen helps coordinate the lunch service every day. Six village staff members, including the head of the village women's federation, regularly volunteer in the kitchen. Some elderly residents also bring homegrown vegetables to help with meal preparation.

For Shen Qingtiao, a villager who often arrives in the morning to help prepare vegetables for the day's meal, the canteen offers more than just food.

"It is a lively, welcoming place where elderly people can gather, enjoy the sunshine, chat over meals and meet people from neighboring villages," she said.

For those unable to make the trip, volunteers and neighbors deliver meals to their homes. The canteen serves one meal at lunchtime each day and also prepares halal food for some residents.

The canteen has also become a venue for other community services. A village doctor visits every Thursday to check residents' blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Free haircuts are offered on Sundays, while film screenings are organized twice a week.

It has also made communication between village officials and residents easier. During lunchtime, Chen can often be found answering questions about a variety of matters, ranging from land contract payments to procedures for pension services. "Now that elderly residents gather here regularly, it is much easier for us to keep them informed about policies. We can explain things face to face, rather than relying only on WeChat messages or going door to door," Chen said.

The village has also introduced a points-based system to encourage participation in community activities and good relations among neighbors. Residents earn or lose points based on their behavior and involvement in village affairs. Those whose points fall below a certain level have to pay for their meals.