Chinese President Xi Jinping visited grassroots officials and residents in Beijing during his two‑day inspection tour on Monday and Tuesday, extending Chinese New Year greetings to Chinese people both at home and abroad as the festival approaches.

Xi, who is also General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), wished them good health, successful careers, and family happiness. He also wished the country peace and prosperity in the Year of the Horse.

The Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year, which falls on February 17 this year, is the most important traditional festival for the Chinese people.

On Monday morning, Xi visited a national information technology innovation park in Beijing E‑Town, where he viewed scientific and technological achievements in fields such as artificial intelligence and robotics, and spoke with researchers and tech entrepreneurs.

Xi said he was “even more confident” in the country’s scientific and technological innovation after seeing the achievements presented during the visit.

He stressed that scientific and technological self‑reliance and strength are the “key” to China’s efforts to build a great modern socialist country, urging the capital to leverage its unique advantages to make greater contributions in this regard.

On Tuesday morning, Xi visited a downtown Beijing neighborhood renovated to be accessible for people with disabilities and adapted for the elderly. He toured a community canteen for seniors to learn about the catering services provided there.

“Caring for and supporting the elderly is a shared responsibility of the whole society,” Xi said, calling for efforts to create better conditions for them to enjoy a happy and fulfilling old age.

In Xicheng District, Xi also visited a senior apartment complex, spending time with elderly residents and wishing them good health, longevity, and a happy Chinese New Year.

In the Longfusi commercial area of Dongcheng District, Xi was briefed on urban renewal efforts in the neighborhood. He stopped at a Daoxiangcun bakery, a traditional brand, where he observed pastry making.

At a Chinese New Year market, he visited various stalls selling festive goods and spoke with people, sharing memories of his visits to the area when he was young. He also purchased local delicacies and cultural products.

Xi said he was delighted to see the lively atmosphere and the wide variety of festive products available.

“The Chinese New Year is an important event for the people,” Xi declared, urging officials at all levels to make concrete efforts to ensure the well‑being of the people and strengthen workplace safety so that everyone can fully enjoy the holiday.

(Source: Xinhua / Photo: CMG)