In 2015, the State Council of the People's Republic of China issued "the Action Outline for Promoting the Development of Big Data", one objective of which is "to create a new mode of social governance with precise management and multi-dimensional cooperation". This action outline marks the commencement of the era of big data for China's social governance. This case presents one mode (i.e., "Xiangxianyanjiuhui", meaning Xiangxian Institute) as developed in Shangyu County of Shaoxing City in Zhejiang Province. 

The institute has developed a mode of "Internet Plus Xiangxian Governance" in three ways. The first is the creation of an electronic database of "xiangxian" whose hometown is Shangyu County. The database is very comprehensive, including as many Shangyu "xiangxian" as can be found on the Internet. The second way is the creation of a WeChat group for those "xiangxian". Using this social media platform, "xiangxian" have pooled their knowledge and insights to offer policy recommendations, create opportunities of investment and business development, and promote the culture of their hometown. The third way is the creation of the official website of Xiangxian Institute in 2013. Since then, the website has become a major medium not only for sharing achievements of Shangyu xiangxian in ancient history, modern history, and present age, but also for facilitating and promoting communication among Shangyu xiangxian from around China. 

Two lessons regarding social governance can be learned from the success of "Xiangxian Institute". First, policy makers and practitioners should raise their awareness of the importance of "xiangxian", particularly their expertise, to social governance. Second, modern technologies should be leveraged for "xiangxian" to participate in social governance. For example, the Internet can be used to create platforms on which "xiangxian" may communicate with stakeholders of social governance efficiently and effectively. Various media such as WeChat public accounts, Weibo, and TikTok can also be used to increase the influence of "xiangxian" in social governance.