They are the “executive chairmen” of the gathering. The most powerful is Zhang Dejiang, whose official title is chairman of the NPC Standing Committee. His real power, however, comes from being ranked third in the Communist Party’s Politburo Standing Committee.

The party’s 25 Politburo members sit here, except for Zhang and Li Jianguo, another NPC executive chairman.

The second row is the one to focus on. Whether they talk to each, whether they smile, whether they shake hands is all closely watched for an insight into China’s closed-door politics.

The other members of the 169-member NPC presidium are mainly the party’s ruling elites, but also some women and ethnic minorities, as the legislature wants to present an image that it represents all groups.

That’s why folk costumes and dresses can often be spotted among the sea of dark suits.