2,158 CPPCC members come from all walks of life

As the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference - the country's top political advisory body - starts its first plenary session on Saturday, some 2,158 national political advisers will gather in Beijing to share their insights on China's major political, economic and social issues.

They were approved at the 24th session of the Standing Committee of the 12th CPPCC National Committee on Jan 24. More than half are new members.

Members include government officials, entrepreneurs, military officers, members of non-Communist parties, individuals of no parties, experts and scholars, individuals from Hong Kong and Macao and representatives of religions and ethnic minority groups.