Pakistani parliamentary delegation visits Beijing sub-districts for first-hand understanding of China’s whole-process people’s democracy

On July 6, 2023, the China Institute for Innovation and Development Strategy (CIIDS) invited the Pakistani parliamentary delegation to visit Jingshan Sub-district of Dongcheng District, and Chunshu Sub-district of Xicheng District, where they had an experience of the Chinese Intangible Cultural Heritage handicrafts, Chinese tea art, and public library.

In the Civic Cultural Center of Jingshan Sub-district, the parliamentarians were most fascinated by the rich and diverse cultural activities for the public. According to Wang Hui, Deputy Director of Jingshan Sub-district, the MEI HOU SI SHI Jingshan Civic Cultural Center, since its setup in 2020, has been continuously providing cultural services for citizens on their doorsteps and practicing the whole-process people’s democracy. At the site, the delegation had an immersive experience of traditional Chinese culture such as guqin (traditional Chinese zither), tea art, calligraphy and painting, and opera, as well as rich community-based convenience services, and had enthusiastic exchanges with citizens who were participating in community activities.

While visiting the Chunshu Sub-district, the parliamentarians learned from the person in charge of Chunshu Library (the public library of the sub-district) about the practice of party-building library and house of deputies to the National People’s Congress. Since its inception in 2018, Chunshu Library has become an important place for NPC deputies to learn and replenish themselves, enhance their ability to perform their duties, and strengthen their communication with the masses. The delegation praised the cultural activities and operation mode of the library, as it facilitated in-depth exchanges between NPC deputies and citizens, and also created an engaging environment for reading and learning.

From their visit to the grassroots, the delegation has deepened their understanding of the concept and practice of the Chinese path to modernization and the whole-process people’s democracy. During their stay in China, the delegation will continue to visit Beijing, Shanxi and other places to further deepen their understanding of China.