Relevant expertise

Political consultancy work requires a deep understanding of conditions in the relevant fields, which is why most of those who participate in the political process are high-level intellectuals, said Chen.

Taking the China National Democratic Construction Association as an example, Chen said the recruitment of members is strict. Applicants need to be proposed by at least two current members and face a wait of at least six months to see if they have gained admission.

"Most CNDCA members are well-educated, accomplished business executives," she said. "We need people who have the ability to solve major problems."

Wang Ranye, 85, joined the China Association for Promoting Democracy in the 1980s. As an expert on Kunqu Opera, one of China's most ancient art forms, Wang proposed a plan to reverse its decline in the 1990s.

Wang Ranye, a member of the China Association for Promoting Democracy and an expert on Kunqu Opera, proposed a plan to reverse the decline of the ancient art form in the 1990s. Qi Zhenlin / for China Daily

"With the help of professionals, the administrators are able to do their work better and more effectively," he said.

China's eight non-communist parties have more than 700,000 members in total, dotted around both urban and rural areas and drawn from a variety of ethnic groups. As a result, their opinions have a wide geographical spread and address issues from all walks of life.

"I report every problem I find, including broken lamps in the library," said China Democratic League member Lei Pingtian, 76, a retired college teacher from Chongqing. "For the government, there are always some blind spots that could affect people's lives, and our job is to help fill in those blanks."

Although the process of political consultancy has worked well so far, the system could also be improved to be relevant to modern times, according to Zhang.

To provide a higher degree of practical advice, the public should have greater access to information, including the process of governmental decision-making, he said.

"Let us know more about what's going on and we will be able to provide more help."

Contact the writer at pengyining@chinadaily.com.cn