Xi visits downtown commercial area in Beijing ahead of Spring Festival

Chinese President Xi Jinping visited the Longfusi commercial area in Beijing's Dongcheng District on Tuesday.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visited primary-level officials and residents in Beijing during a two-day inspection tour from Monday to Tuesday, extending Spring Festival greetings to Chinese people at home and abroad ahead of the festival.

When visiting the Longfusi commercial area, Xi learned about festival market supplies and urban renewal efforts.

Xi said he was very pleased to see the bustling, vibrant festive scene and plentiful holiday goods on sale there.

Located on the east side of the Beijing Central Axis, Longfusi is a cultural landmark dating back 600 years.

The area has revitalized historical memories through digital technology and reshaped lifestyles with diverse business formats, becoming a "golden business card" for cultural consumption.

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

Chinese President Xi Jinping visited an elderly care service community in Beijing's Xicheng District on Tuesday.

Xi visited a community canteen for seniors to learn about the meal services provided there.

He also visited an apartment complex for seniors, where he spent time with the elderly, wishing them health, longevity and a happy Spring Festival.

The senior care service community, located in Beicaochang Hutong, has been renovated to be barrier-free and age-friendly for the seniors, providing them with diverse services including canteen, health care, as well as leisure and cultural activities.