On the afternoon of May 29, international students from 20 countries, organized by Tongji University’s International Student Office, visited a Shanghai CPPCC site where they could see firsthand how community issues are discussed and addressed — a process known in China as “consultative democracy.”

Activity Details

The visit consisted of four parts. First, students toured an exhibition hall, where they saw concrete examples of how public concerns are turned into formal proposals, how different government departments collaborate on solutions, and how the full process—from collecting public input to final implementation—works in practice.

Second, they heard a brief introduction from Zhang Feng, Deputy Director of the Science, Education and Health Committee of the Shanghai CPPCC, explaining the CPPCC’s role and how “consultative democracy” works in practice. This was followed by a video showing how an old industrial waterfront in the Yangpu district was revitalized through joint efforts by local advisors, residents, experts, and government agencies.

Third, the group visited a CPPCC members’ workstation along the Yangpu riverfront, took a slow tour of the area by electric cart, and went up to the “Green Hill” observation deck for a panoramic view of the revitalized industrial heritage site.

Finally, during a discussion session, students listened to a local CPPCC member explain how a proposal moves from research and drafting to negotiation and implementation. They then had the chance to ask questions about how ordinary citizens can participate in local decision-making.

The event served as a valuable opportunity for cross-cultural exchange, giving international students a window into China's political system and how it works in practice. By stepping out of the classroom and into real-world settings—watching, listening, asking questions, and reflecting—they gained a deeper understanding of China's approach to democracy.

The students said the visit gave them a much better understanding of how local decision-making works in China. They saw that it is not just about big ideas, but about real, practical issues that affect people’s daily lives. Many also felt they had gained a clearer and more concrete picture of how Shanghai is governed and how its urban development is shaped by input from different groups.

Yong Li Ye from Malaysia:

"Seeing how neighborhoods and old buildings have been renewed, I realized that democracy is not just a system—it can actually bring energy back to a community and improve public spaces. In the end, it’s about helping ordinary people. This gave me a new way of thinking. Democracy doesn’t have only one form. Different countries can explore their own ways based on their culture and society."

Manuel Rojas from Costa Rica:

"Visiting the CPPCC site gave me a real look at how grassroots governance and consultative democracy work in China. I was really impressed by how practical issues are discussed and solved step by step. I want to share what I saw here and be a small bridge between cultures."

Pierre Dupont from France:

"For me, it’s very important to understand how ordinary people’s daily lives in Shanghai can be improved. Letting international students take part in projects that make public life better is not only meaningful—it’s also a form of democracy that benefits everyone. Also, seeing how a neighborhood can be revitalized and old buildings turned into modern spaces gave me a lot of ideas for my own hometown."

Source: Tongji University