Press center offers range of services

About 2,500 journalists, including some 900 from overseas, have registered to cover the upcoming 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, according to official figures.

The meeting's press center, based mainly at the Beijing Media Center Hotel and Hotel Nikko New Century Beijing, offers a range of services to journalists, including help with media interviews, accommodation and data support.

On Friday, many journalists were working at the center and preparing for the coverage of the CPC National Congress.

Legal Daily journalist Pu Xiaolei was busy contacting congress delegates, in preparation for interviews at the center's 200-cubicle reporter workspace.

The site is bright and spacious and the cubicles can help journalists focus on their work, Pu said.

"I've also visited interview rooms in the center for one-on-one online talks with delegates. That's essential and will make my work a bit easier."

As part of efforts to address COVID-19 concerns, reporters will have limited access to face-to-face interviews with the delegates. To facilitate the interviews, the center will help with video link facilities and arrange written interviews for reporters, according to the center's organizers.

An online video system has also been set up to connect the Hotel Nikko New Century Beijing with media sites of the Great Hall of the People and Beijing Media Center Hotel, as well as with 10 video interview rooms at delegations' hotels, according to the organizers.

Some delegates will meet the press before the opening meeting and after the closing meeting at the Delegates' Passage. Five press conferences and five group interviews will also be held.

Journalists will also be invited to cover various topics in Beijing, such as high-quality development, financial innovation, technology and ecological civilization.

Brochures and books about the CPC and China's development in different languages are available at the center for reporters. COVID-19 prevention material and nucleic acid test services are also provided.

Reporters are encouraged to get more information about the CPC National Congress and relevant activities on the center's website and social media accounts, according to the center.