The forum is part of a broader go-digital push by authorities in Hangzhou to make grassroots governance more efficient.

Villagers can earn rewards points by carefully sorting their garbage, offering voluntary service, or simply lending a helping hand to their neighbors. The credits can be used to exchange for items ranging from toilet paper to cooking oil, and can also be used as a reward when they want help.

Kong Gaomin, the village's Party chief, said the points-for-help function is just part of what the forum has to offer.