Guangzhou mayors and heads of the city's subordinated districts, bureaus and counties listened to public opinion in face to face meetings yesterday (June 26), the first ever move on such a large scale in China.

Thousands of citizens gathered to have their say. Most of them came to wait in line very early in the morning, some even arriving at midnight.

One citizen said:"I came to wait in line at 4:00 am, and the mayors gave us a warm reception."

Most of the citizen concerns focused on resettlement, housing, and medical and labor insurance. Some reception venues postponed their finishing times from 11 am to 3 pm. One citizen who spoke to the mayors said:

"We are very satisfied and we appreciate it. I'd like to represent all everyone in thanking Su, our city vice mayor."

With so many citizens ready to wait for so long to have their say, the mayors felt an even greater responsibility.

Guangzhou mayor Zhang Guangning said, " I believe that mayors and the heads of the city, districts, bureaus and counties who received appeals from citizens feel a heavy responsibility. But we will work out these problems. These are the earnest hopes of our people."

Editor: Yan