We begin here in Beijing, where China's annual "Two Sessions" is underway. While the more prominent National People's Congress doesn't formally open until Monday, today the spotlight was on the country's top advisory body -- the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. The annual political gathering will wrap up on March 20th. Every night, at this time, we'll look back on the day bringing you the most important discussions and announcements. Here's more on the C-P-P-C-C's opening day.

CPPCC National Committee chairman Yu Zhengsheng delivered a work report to open the session.

He reiterated the importance of the leadership of the Communist Party of China, which has guided and will continue to guide the work of China's top political advisory body. Yu said the CPPCC would look to improve political consultancy over the next five years, especially on issues such as targeted poverty alleviation and environmental protection. He also highlighted the mission of supervising the party and state organs in a democratic manner, adding that the CPPCC would continue to play its role in uniting the people of China and enhancing exchanges with the rest of the world.

Yu Zhengsheng stressed the CPPCC was a political advisory body, rather than a decision-making one.

YU ZHENGSHENG CHAIRMAN OF THE 12TH CPPCC NATIONAL COMMITTEE "The Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference serves as an important platform for all Chinese political parties and social organizations, as well as people from all ethnic groups and sectors of society to work together and participate in state affairs in a democratic manner."

At the ''Delegates Corridor'', some CPPCC members briefed the media on their hopes for the "Two Sessions".

For instance,Dr. Lee Man Chun Raymond -- an entrepreneur from Hong Kong -- said the development of the Greater Bay Area in south China was providing job opportunities for young people in Hong Kong. But, he said, it was still difficult for them to integrate and settle down on the mainland. This was something he wanted to bring up during the meetings.

Zhang Ming -- a CPPCC member from Yunnan Province -- urged the government to provide better occupational education for people in rural ethnic-minority regions, saying poor standards of education in those areas have been hampering economic development. Meanwhile, Lyu Zhong Mei -- Deputy Director at the CPPCC Social and Legal Affairs Committee -- said her team will provide political advice based on thorough social research, to make each member's voice count.