On the first day of the Chinese New Year, central Beijing came alive with festive energy, particularly in the historic Longfusi Commercial Area, where red lanterns swayed above bustling market stalls. Vendors offered traditional treats, while families stocked up on goods and revisited customs linked to old Beijing, a landmark known for its nearly 600-year-old temple fairs.
President Xi Jinping visited Longfusi on February 10, as residents completed final preparations for the Spring Festival. Xi toured craft stalls displaying paper cuttings, clay figurines, and other handmade items, spoke with stall owners about their businesses, and greeted children, urging them to exercise and focus on becoming well-rounded individuals.
Xi also highlighted the importance of stable supplies and public safety during the holiday, calling on officials to ensure that the Spring Festival remains joyful for families across the country. After watching a drum performance, he extended New Year greetings to Chinese people both at home and abroad.
In line with China’s focus on population aging, Xi visited a nursing home with over 110 residents, whose average age is about 88, emphasizing society’s shared responsibility to care for the elderly. He noted the importance of age-friendly urban renovations and supportive services that allow seniors to live comfortably and with dignity.
During the visit, Xi also met delivery workers at a neighborhood seniors’ canteen, praising their role in the functioning of modern urban life. He acknowledged that delivery services and platform economy workers numbering around 84 million nationwide are vital to China’s cities and consumer economy, as last year’s annual parcel volume reached nearly 200 billion items.
Xi’s engagement with residents reflects the people-first philosophy of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Since assuming the top Party post in 2012, Xi has led campaigns lifting nearly 100 million rural residents out of poverty, achieving absolute poverty eradication by 2021, and promoting common prosperity. Over the past five years, urban employment grew by more than 12 million annually, per capita disposable income reached 43,377 yuan (around 6,250 USD), and life expectancy climbed to 79 years.
As China prepares for the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), Xi stressed that modernization gains must benefit all citizens, reminding officials that “our Party was born for the people and has prospered because of the people. Everything we do is for the happiness of the people.”
