The Cangqian Immigration Affairs Service Center. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_48799cf5e027]

Yuhang district in Hangzhou has introduced an innovative one-stop immigration service model, setting a new benchmark for grassroots foreign-related services, local media outlets reported.

Since opening in June, the Cangqian Immigration Affairs Service Center — the city's first district-level platform of its kind — has become a popular hub for foreign professionals in the area.

Covering 1,600 square meters, the center integrates administration and services to address common challenges faced by expatriates, from visa applications and identity verification to access to public services and dispute mediation. To date, it has served more than 4,500 individuals and 62 organizations, processing over 1,000 cases and cutting handling time by around 60 percent.

Beyond administrative functions, the center also serves as a community and cultural exchange space. It has hosted more than 130 activities, including legal briefings, entrepreneurship networking, and cultural events, helping foreign residents better integrate into local life.

The initiative reflects Yuhang's shift from a management-focused approach to a service-oriented model in foreign affairs governance. Its experience has been included in national public security training materials, highlighting Hangzhou's efforts to create a more open, efficient, and welcoming environment for international talent.

A corner of the service center is decorated by souvenirs from across the globe. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_48799cf5e027]