At Baiji Dumpling House on Zhongshan North Road in Shigu District, owner Li Hua warmly beckons food delivery riders inside to rest while awaiting orders. Near the cash register, several riders in distinctive uniforms are sipping water and recharging their phones beside parcels. A bright red placard at the entrance declares the establishment of a "Friendly Business" – a designation echoed at the nearby Dianbing Dianjiang eatery and over a dozen other shops along the street.

This grassroots movement addresses a pressing need for China’s 13 million delivery riders – often called "urban blood cells" for their role linking businesses and consumers. With daily treks averaging 50 kilometers and work shifts exceeding 10 hours, riders frequently lack basic amenities. During outreach by Shigu District’s market regulators, local merchants expressed widespread willingness to support these essential workers.

Through official coordination, businesses including Baiji Dumpling House, Dianbing Dianjiang snack shop, Liangcheng Supermarket, Supply and Marketing Community Canteen, McDonald’s (Zhengyang North Road branch), and Dengni Xiaban Community Canteen have transformed into certified care stations. Each provides four core services: rest areas, drinking water, phone charging, and restroom access – with many adding meal discounts.

At Dianbing Dianjiang, a dedicated "Rider Rest Corner" features eight chairs and charging stations, serving over 20 couriers daily. Baiji Dumpling House offers complimentary soup and rice with rider meals, while Supply and Marketing Community Canteen provides exclusive 8.8% discounts. These seemingly modest gestures create tangible multi-win outcomes: riders gain essential respite that boosts efficiency; businesses cultivate loyal customer bases and enhanced brand reputation; and consumers receive faster, safer deliveries.

"Previously, we’d wait on sidewalks regardless of weather," said Meituan rider Chen Wei, wiping sweat near a charging station. "Now these shops treat us like family."