A Hangzhou citizen card. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]

Hangzhou citizen cards will soon be able to be used for education, healthcare, old-age care, and public transportation throughout the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region, local media reported on Oct 12.

Over the past 16 years, Hangzhou citizen cards have helped nearly 13 million people in the areas of social insurance, public transportation, public services, and convenient payment. Over 8.8 million people have enjoyed the online services offered by the card.

According to the Hangzhou citizen card company, the card will allow holders to receive public services throughout the greater YRD region, such as medical care in a total of 115 cities and counties in the YRD region, including Shanghai, Nanjing and Anhui.

"Our ultimate goal is to make the lives of Hangzhou residents in the YRD region easier and more convenient," said a director at the company.

Hangzhou's efforts to strengthen the citizen card and its online functions have paid off in recent years. The e-social security card enables holders to visit the doctor without bringing their physical card, while the e-city pass allows residents to more easily take the metro, bus and water bus.

The card also offers convenience to senior citizens and children, who can use it as a replacement for the health code, a requirement when taking public transportation or visiting public places.