The Chinese government is encouraging ordinary people to participate more in government policy-making by asking for their suggestions about what the public sector's agenda should address.

Local governments across the country are collecting comments on policies related to people's daily lives. They are using print media, the Internet and telephone hotlines to solicit citizens for suggestions about what the government can do to improve their standards of living in areas such as urban planning, education and medical care.

Quan Wei is a resident of Jinan city in eastern China's Shandong Province. He says the public feels good about sharing their opinions with the government.

''I was born and raised here, and I love the city. We are proud because our opinions can be solicited and applied by the public sector.''

The government is also encouraging officials to form closer connections with the public and put into practice their sound suggestions.