BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping visited grassroots officials and residents in Beijing during a two-day inspection tour from Monday to Tuesday, extending Spring Festival greetings to people across China and abroad ahead of the Lunar New Year.
Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, wished the people good health, career success and family happiness, while expressing hopes for peace and prosperity in the Year of the Horse.
The Spring Festival, China’s most important traditional holiday, will be celebrated this year on February 17.
On Monday morning, President Xi toured a national information technology innovation park in Beijing E-Town, where he reviewed exhibitions highlighting advances in artificial intelligence, robotics and other cutting-edge fields. He interacted with researchers and executives from technology firms, saying the visit made him “even more confident” in China’s scientific and technological innovation capacity.
He stressed that achieving scientific and technological self-reliance is key to building a great modern socialist country, urging Beijing to fully utilise its strengths and play a greater role in advancing innovation.
On Tuesday, Xi visited a renovated downtown Beijing community designed to be barrier-free and age-friendly. He toured a community canteen for senior citizens to learn about meal services and emphasised that caring for the elderly is a shared responsibility of society, calling for better conditions to ensure dignified and fulfilling lives for senior citizens.
In Xicheng District, he also visited a residential complex for the elderly, spending time with residents and wishing them good health and a happy Spring Festival.
Later, Xi inspected urban renewal efforts in Dongcheng District’s Longfusi commercial area. He visited a branch of the traditional bakery Daoxiangcun, observed pastry-making, and toured a Spring Festival market, where he interacted with shoppers and vendors. He recalled memories of his earlier visits to the area and purchased several local specialty and culture-themed products.
Expressing satisfaction at the festive atmosphere and well-supplied markets, Xi said the Spring Festival holds deep significance for the people. He urged officials at all levels to focus on improving public wellbeing and ensuring workplace safety so that everyone can enjoy a safe and joyful Chinese New Year.
