Chinese President Xi Jinping traditionally visits Chinese nationals in urban and rural areas days ahead of the Spring Festival. (Photo : Getty Images)
During his three-day tour to revolutionary bases, President Xi Jinping received a calligraphy work from a local girl with the Chinese character "fu," which means blessings, the Xinhua News Agency reported.
Xi accepted the gift while visiting a community activity room in Nanchang City's Donghu District. The city, which is the capital of Jiangxi Province, is included in the president's itinerary. He also visited the cities of Ji'an and Jinggangshan.
The tour was scheduled prior to the Spring Festival of the Chinese Lunar New Year. It has become a tradition for Chinese leaders to visit nationals in urban and rural areas days before the said revelry.
Back in 2013, Xi toured Beijing and Gansu Province. Last year the Chinese leader visited the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and northwest China's Shaanxi Province
During the three-day tour, the president urged local officials to support the newly identified development concepts by upholding and implementing them. These concepts include innovation, coordination, green development, liberalization, the delivery of structural reform on the supply side, and industrial upgrades.
The Chinese president also urged authorities to prioritize environmental protection, noting that in the governments' efforts to promote economic growth, environmental conservation must not be compromised.
While on his trip, Xi paid a visit to businesses, schools, villages and community groups. He joined local activities and indulged in China's culture with the local citizens. In one instance, he helped make the dough for ciba, a Chinese rice delicacy and a local Spring Festival favorite.
Xi also toured in revolutionary base museums and memorials for revolutionary martyrs, laying baskets of flowers commemorating the gallantry of the Chinese heroes. He further met with the province's senior military officers.
Before ending his tour, President Xi extended his holiday greetings to all Chinese citizens.
The Chinese Lunar New Year is set to take place on Feb. 8.
According to a China Daily article, more than 2,000 events will be simultaneously held across 140 nations around the world to celebrate the occasion.
