Dong Caiyun, an NPC deputy, holds a course on Feb 23 at Chuimatan Primary School, where she used to work, in Gansu province. [Photo/Xinhua]

Livestreaming applied

While deputies to the 13th NPC were encouraged to use the internet for their work during their five-year terms, technology also helped members of the 13th National Committee of the CPPCC give suggestions and attend activities.

Regarding the technology as a "valuable assistant", Fan Sheling, a member of the 13th CPPCC National Committee, who is well-versed on rural affairs, was invited to share during a livestream broadcast a survey he conducted on rural road construction. It was the first time he had taken part in a livestreaming session.

The 57-year-old political adviser used a tablet to conduct the session from a mountaintop in Shexian county, Hebei province, where he showed a winding mountain road behind him.

Several other advisers and government officials took part in the session at meeting rooms in Beijing and elsewhere via video link.

During the five-minute broadcast, Fan introduced the process involved in rebuilding roads washed away by flooding in 2016, and his suggestions on improving the rural road management system. A number of political advisers also joined the broadcast from other areas of the country.

CPPCC members nationwide logged on to the livestreaming platform and sent messages to voice their ideas. Their advice was submitted to related departments for reference.

In addition to livestreaming, CPPCC members can now submit proposals via a smartphone app.

Fan, who has been elected a member of the 14th CPPCC National Committee, said he has already submitted five proposals via the app, including one on lowering the legal age for marriage, as part of efforts to address an aging society.

Zhang Yuezhuo, deputy director of the CPPCC National Committee's Secretary Bureau, said, "With these online methods, our activities are not restricted by time or location. For most members, this is a part-time job. They also have their own work to do, so they don't have enough time to meet offline."