The Information Office of the People's Government of Beijing Municipality launched a verified account on WeChat on January 14, in a bid to offer better social media services.

WeChat, developed by Shenzhen-based Tencent in January 2011, is an instant messaging app with more than 400 million users worldwide. Previously, the Information Office launched a verified microblog account on Sina.com in November 2011, publishing over 13,000 posts and attracting more than 4.3 million followers as of mid-January.

Wang Hui (CHEN RAN)

According to Wang Hui, head of the Information Office, mobile Internet users can get government information and services easier, as the newly-launched platform combines both the WeChat and Sina microblog content. People can read the microblog content by touching the "Government Departments" and "Spokesperson" sections on WeChat.

"I think it is a good way to integrate government resources, save costs and also improve our work efficiency," Wang said.

Beijing's WeChat account will offer new services to better meet people's needs, according to Wang.