"A close neighbor means more than a distant relative." However, such an ancient Chinese saying has put many estranged modern Chinese into embarrassment.

"A national Neighbor's Day should be legalized to bring in closeness and promote trust among neighbors," Wang Quanjie, a Chinese lawmaker, said Tuesday on the sidelines of the fifth session of the National People's Congress (NPC).

Traditionally the Chinese were highly attentive to the relations with their neighbors, Wang said. "But rapid urbanization has made people estranged with others, especially those living in cities."

"It's common that people living in urban apartments don't know who their neighbors although they've lived door to door for several years," the NPC deputy said.

Wang said the concept of a Neighbor's Day can remind people of the importance of good neighborhood relations and promote harmony in communities.

"Communities can organize various activities, such as cook-offs, on the special day, to enable the neighbors to know each other," said Wang. The lawmaker said that he is talking officials into considering his suggestion seriously.

China has seen the proportion of urban population increase by around one percent annually in recent years. Its urban residents accounted for 43.9 percent of the whole population by the end of 2006.

Source: Xinhua