Reporters covering the Two Sessions are delighted to have a platform to engage with China's political elite. With the platform, dubbed the "ministers aisle," they are now able to get easier access to China's big political decision-makers. 

Chinese officials, especially the ministers, used to be very reluctant to speak to media. But during the Two Sessions, many are invited to speak to media personnel here -- in what is seen as a step forward in information openness.

At the Great Hall of People, a 100-meter carpeted aisle is where ministers pass during the Two Sessions. Since 2015, it has been made into a special platform to help the media. Six ministers have already used it, including the Minister of Education Chen Baosheng. Using the platform, he said: "People rush to choose schools, houses near good schools are too expensive, the public has been complaining about this. The root cause is the fact that our education resources are not balanced." 

Reporters can also pose questions through social media. But sometimes, a traditional shout is the best way to get your question across. New Minister of Commerce Zhong Shan earlier said: "I really want to answer your questions. I think our trade should improve from pursing quantity to quality. We'll consolidate our country's trade from big to strong. Thank you!"

As the ministers speak only for a few minutes, not all reporters get to ask their questions. However, many think the idea is a good one, and is ultimately good for China.

Kimeng Hilton is a journalist from Cameroon. He has come to the Two Sessions for the first time. "Everywhere, ministers speaking in any country is very important, because the public want to know what they are doing in their own domain." 

Cao Yu, a Chinese newspaper journalist, has covered the Two Sessions for 12 years. She says: “We used to wait for the ministers here, or find them ourselves. Now we can communicate with them directly. But questions raised here are always of common concern, it'll be better to consider each medium's own request."

Over the two-week political gathering, the ministers will face media questions here four more times, something that reporters won't miss.