The local government of Zhao'an county, Zhangzhou, Fujian province has been boosting ties between Party members and residents by requiring officials to "go out" and listen to public opinion on a regular basis.

In 2012, the county government required that officials at county, township and village levels should visit local residents regularly to listen to their suggestions and opinions.

An office that deals with people's requests and suggestions has also been set up in every village to encourage residents to interact with the government.

Li Shundong, a resident of Lintou village, once complained to the visiting village officials there was no place to hold a memorial service for the deceased in the village, which has a population of more than 5,000.

"The officials took the issue seriously and the village authorities tore down two old buildings to establish a hall to hold such ceremonies," Li said.

Li said whenever he has a problem, he visits the office for help and gets a rapid response.

"Now I have fewer complaints as the problems have been solved," he said.

Xie Tiangui, an official with the government of Sidu town, said such a model enables Party members to have a better understanding of problems that residents face.

"At the same time, it offers a channel for the people to voice their difficulties and confusion, enhancing relations between officials and the people," Xie said.

Other counties in Zhangzhou are following suit to develop the model, aiming at serving residents well and building a harmonious society.