Quotable

"Guangzhou is trying to make its government operation transparent, and thus local residents have the right to know how public funds are being used by relevant departments. Residents want to know whether there is any corruption surrounding the chengguan's overseas tours."

Chen Junhong, a Guangzhou resident, said the city's urban management bureau, also known as chengguan, should explain why bureau officers spent more than 1.14 million yuan ($181,000) on overseas tours in 2010. The bureau has received criticism from local residents after the spending was revealed. In response to the public's concern, the bureau issued a letter stating it sent 20 officers to Japan, Russia, Singapore, the United States and other countries and regions to study urban management in 2010.