🌟 Ten years ago, China's National People's Congress (NPC) kicked off a bold experiment: local legislative contact points on the Chinese mainland. These community hubs were set up in Shanghai, Jiangxi, Hubei and Gansu to turn lawmaking into a two-way street, giving everyone a chance to review draft laws and share opinions. 🚄⚖️
Fast forward to today: there are 54 national contact points across all 31 provincial regions, plus over 7,800 local offices. Together, they reach some 186 million people, like a legislative express train linking citizens to policy makers. All told, from 2015 to 2025, more than 58,000 comments have rolled in, and 3,500+ suggestions found their way into 163 revised laws. 📝✨
Voices That Matter 🤝
These aren't just numbers. In Shanghai, 71-year-old Liu Ersheng asked for free admission to science museums for young visitors and his idea was added to the Law on Science Popularization. Middle schoolers also spoke up against a deposit rule in the Law on the Protection of Minors, saying it could hurt families. Their feedback was taken on board, too. 🙌
Contact points in Xizang and Xinjiang brought forward local insights on environmental and development plans. Uygur residents shared tips to protect the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, and many of their ideas were adopted. This grassroots approach builds unity and shows legislation truly serves the people. 🌿🏔️
Chaoyang's Global Showcase 🌍
In Beijing's Chaoyang district, a cozy courtyard buzzes with residents, lawyers and deputies poring over draft rules. Since 2021, this hub has collected 4,600+ suggestions on 34 drafts, with 139 adopted. It's no secret that Chaoyang's model inspires visitors, 36 ambassadors and officials from Eritrea saw firsthand how people-centered democracy works on the Chinese mainland. ✈️👀
Looking Ahead 🔍
The NPC's team plans to expand these contact points and boost digital platforms, making lawmaking even more inclusive. For retirees, students and everyone in between, these channels are a direct line to shape the rules that affect daily life. After a decade of growth, the legislative express train keeps rolling, powered by you. 🚄💡
Reference(s):
China’s outreach office marks a decade of people-centered lawmaking
cgtn.com
