Residents in Xiamen, Fujian provice, are finding it easier to avail of social services thanks to "self-service" machines at the city's administrative service centers with volunteers on hand to explain the procedures.

Chen Lufeng, a 39-year-old who applied for a transfer of pension accounts at the Xiamen city administrative center, said he is surprised at the lack of a queue.

"You don't have to go to the windows for help, the machines offers a clear picture of what you need to do. If you have a problem, a volunteer will offer instructions," Chen said, adding it also saved a great deal of time as he only spent a few minutes completing his business.

He Jianfeng, a member of staff at the center, said installing the auto-service machines is an important part of a city government project aimed at upgrading public services and improving efficiency.

The machines have been operational in administrative centers on a city, district and community level since 2013.