(Source: CGTN)

Reading can unlock people's potential to innovate, and promote civic morality. That's why representatives at this year's Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference are urging the government to speed up implementation of new policies that encourage more people to read.  

Advisors in press and publishing sections have welcomed government endeavors to "encouraging reading" in recent years. They continue to push for new legislation to ensure that more outstanding works of literature can inspire a love of reading in everyone. To be specific, they cite the needs of establishing more public libraries and reading rooms, as well as setting up a nationwide "Reading Day".

"We have suggested issuing a law on "Nationwide Reading". The government should promote, organize and lead on this issue. This proposal is currently being discussed by the National People's Congress," said Huang Shuyuan, head of the People's Publishing House.

Industry leaders have also pointed out the importance of having quality reading materials available.

"I think the most important thing is that our people can find something suitable to read, something that they are really fond of and something that can touch their souls and hearts," said He Jianming, Vice Chaiman, China Writers Association.

According to one poll, 79.6 percent of adult Chinese did some reading in 2015, one percent more than the previous year.  On average, Chinese people read around 4 and a half books a year.

The State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television hopes government efforts can help get 81.6 percent of Chinese people reading 5 books anually by the year 2020.