UK students explore grassroots governance in Hongqiao community

On June 10, more than 80 students and faculty members from the University of Kent, the University of York, and the University of Southampton visited the grassroots legislative outreach office of Hongqiao Subdistrict in Shanghai.

Through this hands-on experience in a vibrant residential community, they gained insight into China’s grassroots governance and the practice of “whole-process people’s democracy.”

The visit was a core component of the “UK-China Study Tour Pilot Program,” a key official study-exchange initiative organized by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange under the Ministry of Education. The program was hosted by East China University of Political Science and Law aimed at promoting high-level internationalization in education and deepening cultural exchanges between China and the United Kingdom. It is built around a specialized course titled “How 1.4 Billion People Coexist – Uncovering China’s Social Governance.” The Gubei Civic Center served as the first stop of the study tour.

The delegation toured several functional areas in turn–the grassroots legislative outreach office, a practice base for whole-process people’s democracy at the community level, a talent center for overseas professionals, the Gubei Civic Council Chamber, and a community meal service for senior citizens.

Through these visits, the participants clearly observed how the legislative outreach office operates as a “direct public opinion express,” from collecting public input on draft legislation and deliberating on daily community affairs, to delivering convenient services and fostering local cultural activities. They saw that residents can offer suggestions and take part in consultations at any time, and that people’s voices are accurately channeled into both law-making and governance processes. This vivid demonstration of democratic practice challenged some of the UK visitors’ preconceptions.

Oli Pope, a student from the University of Southampton, spoke highly of China’s community-level legislative model. He said the visit showed him that public opinion is woven through the entire legislative process from the initial drafting of regulations to their final implementation, with channels for citizen input remaining open at every stage. He described this governance approach as “excellent and impressive.”

He was also struck by Shanghai’s urban landscape – its well-connected transport network, the harmonious mix of modern buildings, and the lush green spaces. The seamless integration of urban development and eco-friendly design, he added, was a pleasant surprise.

Victoria Kate Welchman, a lecturer from the University of York, noted that on-site learning is the best extension and validation of theoretical knowledge. This “walking study” experience allowed students to step out of the classroom and combine their academic theories with real-world social governance scenarios. It not only reinforced what they had learned from textbooks and broadened their global perspectives, but also provided valuable experience for their future career development and cross-border professional collaboration.