Chongqing - As China’s annual “two sessions” unfold, a grassroots legislative story has captured public attention. In an extraordinary example of civic participation, an 82-year-old man from Xiangxiang, Hunan, saw his handwritten suggestion—scribbled on the foil paper of a cigarette box—adopted into a provincial food safety regulation.

Chen Junqing, an 82-year-old man from Xiangxiang, Hunan, his handwritten suggestion scribbled on the foil paper of a cigarette box—adopted into a provincial food safety regulation. (Photo/Xiaoxiang Morning Herald)

A suggestion penned on a cigarette box

In September 2024, as the Hunan provincial regulations on small-scale food processing, small restaurants, and street vendors were open for public consultation, Chen Junqing, a retired veteran, rushed to submit his thoughts before the deadline. Lacking paper, he tore a piece of foil from a cigarette box and penned a 120-character note advocating stricter hygiene regulations for small food vendors.

“Food safety is crucial. Many small vendors neglect hygiene, and my grandson eats their food daily,” Chen wrote. “The law must enforce stricter penalties. If a business violates hygiene standards, its license should be revoked immediately. Those already shut down should not be allowed to reopen for several years. Only then will business owners take food safety seriously.”

Chen handed the note to Zhang Xianlin, the Party secretary of Nanjin Road Community, Kunlunqiao Subdistrict. The suggestion was later submitted to the legislative process and eventually incorporated into the official regulation. The original foil-paper suggestion has since been preserved in the Hunan people’s congress system exhibition as a testament to grassroots legislative participation.

On March 1, 2025, the regulation officially came into effect.

A community voice that reached lawmakers

Chen’s suggestion resonated because it addressed a widespread concern: the hygiene of small food vendors, which directly affects public health. His suggestion was refined and incorporated into Article 40 of the regulation, which now states:

“Food production and operation licenses shall be revoked for serious violations. Owners, managers, and responsible personnel of such establishments shall be barred from applying for new licenses or engaging in food-related businesses for three years following the penalty.”

Zhang Xianlin noted that Chen’s suggestion was successful because the community acted as a grassroots legislative contact point. After receiving public input, Zhang and his team conducted follow-up visits to refine and verify residents’ suggestions, ensuring they were accurately represented in the final law.

For Chen, who had always viewed legislation as an exclusive domain of professionals and officials, seeing his handwritten suggestion enshrined in law was both surprising and gratifying. “I never imagined that an ordinary citizen like me could contribute to legislation,” he said.

“Open-door legislation” – every voice matters

Chen’s case is a striking example of open-door legislation—a process in which lawmakers actively seek public input to craft policies that reflect real societal needs.

The impact of this approach extends beyond Chen’s suggestion. On February 20, 2025, Hunan’s legislative research team visited Hengnan No. 9 Middle School, where they engaged in direct discussions with eight students about a draft regulation on adolescent mental health. The consultation was one of four held, involving representatives from education, psychology, and parent groups.

This inclusive approach to lawmaking has already yielded significant results. Over the past year, Hunan has implemented regulations on drowning prevention for students and the comprehensive use of crop straw, both shaped by extensive public consultations.

Beyond Hunan, public participation in legislation has been gaining traction nationwide. According to the State Council Information Office, in 2024, China’s central government departments processed 8,783 legislative suggestions from the National People’s Congress and 4,813 proposals from the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference National Committee. Over 5,000 recommendations influenced policy changes, leading to over 2,000 new policy measures across various sectors.

Chen’s story underscores a broader message: no suggestion is too small, and no voice is too insignificant. Whether written on official letterhead or scribbled on a cigarette box, when public concerns are heard and acted upon, the law truly reflects the people’s will.

(CCTV.COM contributed to this report's Chinese version.)