Xi visits Beijing residents ahead of Spring Festival, extends greetings to all

Chinese President Xi Jinping 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 of all ethnic groups at home and abroad ahead of the Chinese New Year.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, wished them good health, career success, and family happiness. He also wished the country peace and prosperity in the Chinese New Year, which will be a Year of the Horse.

On Monday morning, Xi visited a national information technology innovation park in Beijing E-Town, where he watched displays showcasing sci-tech achievements in fields such as artificial intelligence and robotics, and spoke with researchers and heads of technology enterprises.

On Tuesday morning, Xi came to a Beijing downtown community which was renovated to be barrier-free and age-friendly. He visited a community canteen for seniors to learn about the meal services provided there.

Xi also talked with three delivery workers taking a rest in the canteen, and asked about their work and life.

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

At the Longfusi commercial area in Dongcheng District, Xi was briefed on urban renewal efforts there. He stopped by a store of the traditional bakery brand Daoxiangcun, where he watched pastry-making.

At a Spring Festival market, he visited various stalls selling festive goods and talked with residents there.

During the inspection tour, Xi heard a work report by Beijing municipal authorities and gave his approval for the city's progress across the board.

Describing the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030) as key in China's efforts to basically realize socialist modernization, Xi said Beijing must take the lead and make sure "decisive progress" is achieved.

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

Xi visits Beijing residents ahead of Spring Festival, extends greetings to all

Xi visits Beijing residents ahead of Spring Festival, extends greetings to all

Xi visits Beijing residents ahead of Spring Festival, extends greetings to all

Xi visits Beijing residents ahead of Spring Festival, extends greetings to all

Xi visits Beijing residents ahead of Spring Festival, extends greetings to all

China launched the second event of its 2026 "Big Market for All: Export to China" campaign in Hangzhou City of east China's Zhejiang on Sunday, as part of the country's broader push to expand imports and tap the purchasing power of its vast consumer market.

The three-day event, co-hosted by China's Ministry of Commerce and the People's Government of Zhejiang Province, is bringing together global brands, importers and consumers under one roof.

Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao attended the launch ceremony of the event and delivered an address.

More than 1,000 imported products are on display, from food and consumer goods to advanced industrial components.

The campaign aims to turn China's massive market into a gateway for global products, according to officials.

"The event highlights China's determination to independently expand unilateral and self-reliant opening-up. It is also China's active response to the needs of its global trading partners and our practical step to work together with them to grow the pie of international trade," said Xiao Lu, deputy director of the Department of Foreign Trade at the Ministry of Commerce.

Nearly 100 import-focused companies are taking part, showcasing products and exploring opportunities in China's fast-growing consumer market.

"We have selected popular product choices favored by Chinese tourists who have visited Egypt," said Cao Kezhen, chief representative for China at the CHIMENA (China-India-Middle East-North Africa) Business Council.

Starting from May 1, 2026, China will fully implement zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries that have established diplomatic relations with China, so many Egyptian businesses are eager to explore the Chinese market, Cao said.

New technologies are also helping bring overseas products closer to Chinese consumers.

"In recent years, China has introduced a range of policies to encourage imports. These measures allow Chinese consumers to buy quality products from around the world at competitive prices through cross-border e-commerce. Going forward, we plan to shift more focus onto the development of a digital supply chain from the traditional supply chain, customs declaration and inspection, logistics, warehousing and distribution," said Shan Li, chairman of High Store Tech, a supply chain service provider for global brands.

Sunday's event followed the inaugural gathering, which took place under the same theme in the national capital Beijing in February.

China launches event in Hangzhou to expand imports, boost consumption