The minimum wage for workers in the capital should rise to about 1,600 yuan a month, advisors suggested during the ongoing legislative meeting.

According to the State's regulations, the minimum wage should be at least 40 percent of the local average wage, explained Hou Xiaoli, a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Beijing committee.

In 2009, the average wage was 4,037 yuan a month. The social wage is the average wage paid in the city. Hou said the minimum wage has been lower than it should be for some time.