In the early 1960s, the government of Fengqiao Town in Zhuji County (now Zhuji City), Zhejiang Province, developed an innovative approach to governance by "mobilizing and relying on residents to resolve conflicts locally" to achieve the goal that "trivial matters are solved in the villages, major problems are settled in the town, and no conflicts are passed on to the higher authorities." In 1963, Chairman Mao Zedong (1893–1976) personally endorsed this working method, and recommended its adoption in other regions of the country and promoting it through pilot projects. The "Fengqiao Experience" quickly became a hallmark of the national political and legal framework.

Over time, the "Fengqiao Experience" evolved, incorporating contemporary elements. It now emphasizes proactive engagement by the Party and government, mass participation, dispute prevention, conflict resolution, stability maintenance and development promotion. This modernized approach serves as a model for effectively implementing the Party's mass line in the new era.

On November 6, 2023, President Xi Jinping met with representatives of model units that have applied the "Fengqiao Experience" for promoting community-level governance. He encouraged them to continue their efforts, further develop the "Fengqiao Experience" for promoting community-level governance in the new era, and make significant contributions to advancing the Peaceful China Initiative to a higher level.

The contemporary "Fengqiao Experience" has fostered social harmony, rural revitalization, and community well-being across the nation. It is a crucial component of China's grassroots governance strategy. As China progresses towards its great national rejuvenation and modernization, it is vital to uphold the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), center efforts on the people, create new dynamism through reform and innovation, and adapt the "Fengqiao Experience" to modern times. The focus remains on enhancing grassroots social governance and building a higher level of safety and rule of law in China.

On Nov. 27, 2023, a photographic exhibition kicks off to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Chairman Mao Zedong's instruction to study and popularize the "Fengqiao Experience" at the Shaoxing City Exhibition Hall in Shaoxing, east China's Zhejiang Province.