Early March brought an unexpected snowfall to Beijing on the opening day of the National People's Congress. Against the white backdrop outside the Great Hall of the People, the annual gathering once again brought together deputies from across the country, including representatives from China's 56 ethnic groups, arriving in their traditional dress.

At this year's session, one topic drawing particular attention is the draft Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress. As lawmakers continue advancing the legislation following public consultations over the past year, CGTN's Yang Xinmeng speaks with deputies from different ethnic backgrounds about everyday life in multi-ethnic communities, from shared languages and interwoven families to neighborhood traditions that reflect how diversity is lived, not just discussed.