More than 50 Web users were given a peek inside China's top court on Dec 4, a place that is otherwise not available for public visits.

It is the first time the Supreme People's Court has opens its door to netizens, although the judicial organ has held open houses on Dec 3 in recent years.

Last year, it invited youths to take a tour of the court.

He Nenggao, the court's media director, said the move promotes judicial transparency and indicates a willingness to take online public opinion seriously.

Netizens were selected by editors at major websites, including Xinhuanet and China.org.cn.

Candidates had to fill in a form online and answer questions by telephone about why they wanted to make the visit. Successful candidates were also required to pay for their own travel costs and accommodation in Beijing.