A group of 23 Shanghai Ocean University students from 12 countries visited Gubei Civic Center in Changning district on Oct 31 to Learn about China's political advisory system — whole-process people's democracy.

As the name suggests, whole-process people's democracy ensures public participation throughout the entire process of governance, covering all aspects of the democratic process and all sectors of society.

Inside an exhibition hall, the students gained a glimpse into the grassroots practices through detailed graphics, real-life case displays, and interactive digital platform experiences.

The visit featured a case study video that presented the past and present of Yangpu Riverside. The scene then shifted to a consultative meeting where participants exchanged views that were later translated into concrete urban development plans.

The visit then headed to the Qinhuangdao Road Ferry Terminal along the Yangpu Riverside, where the students experienced these changes first-hand.

They enjoyed the lush river and gentle breeze, strolling along the promenade to observe tangible results of the transformation. Features such as convenience stations with mother-and-child rooms, accessible facilities proposed by locals, and a pet-friendly zone beside the riverside lawn illustrated how residents' needs were integrated into the urban renewal.

Zhuang Junfei, a member of the local political advisory body, shared her firsthand experience of witnessing the area's transformation. She explained how members promoted initiatives to improve people's well-being and answered the students' questions.

Reflecting on the visit, many students said they had gained a clearer understanding of how democracy contributes to better urban governance and expressed their desire to share this memorable experience with friends from around the world.

Source: Official WeChat account of zhengxielianxian at "zhengxielianxiansh"