Austerity measures a sign of the times

No ornamental flags, flowers or Chinese wines were offered to government advisers in Beijing at their annual meeting on Monday.

This type of austerity can also be seen in other provincial regions, with most areas in China expected to hold their annual meetings for government advisers and local lawmakers this month.

It is part of the ongoing reform of government and Party officials to improve working style, avoid extravagance and cancel unnecessary meetings, after China's new leadership urged officials last December to be hardworking and thrifty.