In late January, Premier Wen Jiabao held symposiums to collect opinions on the incumbent government's last work report.

Wen noted that the country's hope lies in innovation, and the essence of innovation lies in emancipating minds and pushing forward reform and opening up.

In early January, Vice-Premier Li Keqiang defined reform as "the biggest dividend," and the ultimate goal of reform is to benefit the people.

Chi said he hopes the new government will speed up promoting reform, and via reform, release the country's potential more forcefully; one that is more practical and fruitful in promoting stable development, restructuring and innovation; one that is closer to the people and achieves much in handling interest-based relationships and solving livelihood-related issues.

People expect a lot from the new government.

Yang Lin, who runs a grocery store in the outskirts of Beijing with his wife, hopes the government can carry forward reforming income distribution and household registration systems.

"It's getting harder to make a profit with commodity prices surging," said Yang, whose store opens at 6 a.m. and closes at midnight every day. He migrated from his hometown in central Henan Province years ago.

In two years, Yang's daughter will reach school age, but as her residence is still registered in Henan, Yang is worried that "it will cost much to send her to school in Beijing."

Tan Na, a newlywed working in a foreign-funded enterprise in Beijing, expects the government to better curb housing price surges so that everyone, including her, can have a home.

A survey conducted by people.com.cn, an online news portal operated by Chinese flagship newspaper the People's Daily, shows that 90 percent of the surveyed think current housing prices too high.

Surveyed netizens expect the government to strengthen macro-control, contain housing price rises and boost the construction of affordable houses.

Improving social security, combating corruption and building a clean government, as well as narrowing the income gap, are also among netizens' major concerns.