"The government has set up a platform to connect volunteers and the people in need of help," Yang said. "The model is much more efficient and sustainable than government-organized volunteer activities."

The government runs a website for the registration of volunteers and their organizations. The website is like an information market connecting suppliers and customers, said Wang. "The volunteer groups should also report the results of their activities to us, and every volunteer's performance and service hours are recorded."

Zhangjiagang has 704 registered volunteer groups, with about 32,000 registered volunteers. About 28,000 volunteers are active. New volunteers are being registered.

The government has formulated a set of rules to promote the volunteer spirit in the city. Depending on the amount of service in a year, volunteers are given simple souvenirs, free physical examinations in public hospitals, discounts for parks and theater tickets and free parking in public parking lots, among other things.

"I like being a volunteer librarian, because I can read, talk to book lovers and help people as well," said Zhang Qiangjun, a 34-year-old worker from Leshan, Sichuan province. He works in a 24-hour government-operated library when he has free time. "I have to apply for the job a week in advance. Many people compete to work here as volunteers."

One of the favorite jobs for Zhangjiagang's volunteers is to work for the city's public libraries. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Gong Shenglin, manager of the Zhangjiagang Poly Theater, said he has been using volunteers to help "cultivate" the audience over the past four years.

Local audiences did not know how to interact with the performers at first, and they ate snacks, wore slippers, took photos and made video recordings during the performances.

"The volunteers from the Ivy League Experimental School of Zhangjiagang know the etiquette of the theater. Thanks to their work, local audiences now have a better environment to enjoy the shows," said Gong.

He has also invited famous artists and foreign performers to visit local schools so the children of migrant workers can meet them. "They volunteer to do so. I give them a channel to know the life of ordinary Chinese in a small city like Zhangjiagang."