The legislative process has taken on a new look by embracing the Internet as a channel to engage citizens with hot social issues.

Lawmakers in Shanghai began an unusual online discussion with netizens on Sunday, two days before the inauguration of the 12th National People's Congress on Tuesday.

The move aims to quench people's thirst for information about the NPC by clarifying the government's agenda and addressing their needs, said Yin Yicui, deputy Party chief of Shanghai and an NPC deputy from the Shanghai delegation to the country's top legislature.