Several renowned convenience store chains, such as 7-Eleven, take an interest in opening branches in Xiamen, Fujian province, to help spur the development of 15-minute living circles. [Photo/WeChat account: xiamen_swj]

Xiamen in East China's Fujian province will build the second batch of more than 10 15-minute living circles this year to further improve the residents' convenience, standardization, intelligence and quality level of living circles, said Zhang Fengqing, an official from the municipal bureau of commerce on Feb 24.

Xiamen was selected to pilot the construction of 15-minute living circles, according to a list released by the Ministry of Commerce on Aug 30, 2021.

Since then, the municipal bureau of commerce has bolstered its efforts to construct modern, multi-level, and multi-category 15-minute living circles in 10 pilot communities across six districts, such as Shentian community.

The expansion of convenience stores is a highlight of the creation of 15-minute living circles. The city has boosted the number of existing convenience stores such as Fook and Meiyijia, as well as attracting renowned convenience stores such as 7-Eleven and Lawson to open in Xiamen.

In addition, the city has taken a number of steps to encourage the development of 15-minute living circles, including providing subsidies to communities that have piloted the development of 15-minute living circles, encouraging the opening of fresh food convenience stores in the neighborhood, and encouraging the upgrading of farmer's markets.