Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Lijiang City of southwest China's Yunnan Province has encouraged local people to work harder for rural development and cultural preservation.
Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visited a modern flower industry park in the city on Wednesday, talking with the villagers and technicians there to learn about flower varieties, market sales and their incomes.
"We walked to the colored calla lily exhibition area. General Secretary Xi was very interested in our black calla lilies. He said he had never seen such a black flower. I told him that among all fresh-cut flowers, only colored calla lilies can come in black," said Yang Jia, an agricultural technician who guided Xi to visit the park.
"I told him that I've been working here for three years and serve as a field team leader in charge of these flowers and workers. I was proud to tell him that. He encouraged me, saying, 'You have a great management ability! Good Job!' What a praise for me!" said He Yuehua, a local villager working in the park.
Yunnan is one of leading flower producers in the world. Xi highlighted the promising future of the province's flower industry, emphasizing the importance of developing a whole industrial chain so that the "beautiful industry" can deliver more benefits to the people.
"We aim to drive innovation in flower varieties and develop our Yunnan's proprietary breeds with independent intellectual property rights to expand our market presence," said Yang.
The president also visited the Old Town of Lijiang, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site with over 800 years of history. He stressed the need to strike a balance between protection and development to make the beautiful old town shine with new vigor and vitality.
Xi was invited for a cup of coffee in the town, hailing Yunnan coffee a feature product that represents China.
"I sincerely hope General Secretary Xi will visit Lijiang again, and enjoy a cup of authentic Yunnan arabica coffee," said Liu Yongle, the vendor who had sent out the invitation to Xi during his visit.
Xi also learned about the history and distinctive dwellings of the Naxi ethnic people.
At the Mufu Mansion, once the residential and working site of the Naxi rulers of Lijiang in ancient times and currently a landmark blending architectural styles from various ethnic groups, Xi explored its historic structures and watched an exhibition of the ancient Dongba culture.
He Hong, a local researcher, said she read an excerpt from a Dongba classic in Naxi language for President Xi.
"It tells people to live in harmony with nature, taking only what is needed, or they will be punished by nature," she said.
As part of China's vast western region, Yunnan is stepping up efforts to drive high-quality development. Xi's visit is expected to inspire confidence among local governments, businesses, and residents as they're working toward economic growth and cultural preservation.
Xi's visit to Lijiang encourages locals to work harder for rural development, cultural preservation
