China's National People's Congress

The National People's Congress(NPC) is held in the Grat Hall of the People,Beijing,

 

capital of the People's Republic of China; with 2,987 members, it is the largest parliament in the world.

The NPC gathers each year(for about two weeks) along with the People's Political Consultative Conference(CPPCC) whose members represent various defined groups of society. NPC and CPPCC together are often called the Lianghui (Two Meetings), making important National level political decisions.

Hostesses for the National People's Congress (NPC) pose in front of the Great Hall of the People

Hostesses stand outside the Great Hall of the People

 Hostesses serve tea prior to the opening session

A combination image shows delegates from ethnic minority groups, wearing traditional costumes, during the opening ceremony for the National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing

China's President Hu Jintao, left, and Premier Wen Jiabao at the closing session of the National People's Congress in Beijing.

China's Premier Wen Jiabao (R) shakes hands with President Hu Jintao (L) after delivering his government work report during the opening ceremony of the National People's Congress

 This year's gathering will be watched closely by the world, as leaders Hu Jintao and Wen Jiabao prepare to step down and hand the reins to their successors.