Hoping the high spirits will last

Nowhere can journalists come face to face with such a large number of ministerial-level officials and top provincial leaders from across the country than the annual sessions of China's top legislature and political advisory body.

I have tried to follow and observe them closely at this year's gathering, especially during panel discussions, and I have found that most, if not all, of them are not as poker-faced as they look on the prime-time television news. Rather they appear easy-going and even eager to present themselves as ordinary people.

Last Tuesday afternoon, Shandong Party Secretary Li Jianguo was surrounded by scores of staff members from the hotel where he is staying, all clamoring for a chance to take a photo with him.