"As the old Chinese saying goes, a good neighbor is more helpful than a brother far off," said Chen Guiqiu, another resident, adding that she hopes similar activities will be held in the future.

"A harmonious neighborhood plays an irreplaceable part in improving people's living standards," said Zhou Yuhua, "The dinner enables surrounding residents to sit and eat together like a family."

The activity was sponsored by Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone bureau of social affairs and the bureau of public security, and forms part of the city's efforts to improve its social conduct and build itself into a national civilized city.

Residents sit together and have dinner like one big family. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

People get to know one another by sharing home-made dishes at the mass dinner event. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]