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 at home and abroad ahead of the festival.
President Xi Jinping talks with elderly residents while visiting an apartment complex for seniors in Xicheng District of Beijing, capital of China, Feburary 10. (Photo: Xinhua)
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.
"Caring for and supporting the elderly is a shared responsibility of the whole society," Xi said, urging efforts to create better conditions for them to enjoy happy and fulfilling twilight years.
In Xicheng District, Xi also visited an apartment complex for seniors, where he spent time with the elderly, wishing them health, longevity and a happy Spring Festival.
Xi has always cared deeply about the elderly, emphasizing the need to improve elderly care and focus on their well-being, and pushing for better services and policies that make a real difference in the lives of more seniors.
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On January 23, 2025, Xi visited a community service center in Shenyang, Liaoning Province.
Xi met with four generations of Lang Sulan's family. Sitting together on a sofa, the 82-year-old Lang held Xi's hand as they talked. Xi asked about the family's income and expenses, and inquired about any difficulties they were still facing in their daily lives.
The family replied that they feel a strong sense of fulfillment in areas including clothing, food, housing, transportation, education, healthcare and elder care.
"The community takes especially good care of us seniors," Lang said, praising the community workers warmly. Xi responded by telling the workers that the best compliment is when residents give them a thumbs-up.
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During a visit to a community elder care center in Shanghai in November 6, 2018, Xi said that as Chinese society continues to age, "it is our common wish that elderly people lead a happy, healthy and long life."
When Xi arrived at the center, several residents aged between 79 and 92 were busy making handicrafts. He greeted them warmly and shook hands with each of them. Touched by the moment, the seniors shared stories of their fulfilling lives at the center. One elderly gentleman was so enthusiastic that he shook Xi's hands three times.
During the visit, Xi stressed the importance of effectively implementing support policies so they benefit a broader population of senior citizens.
Xi's heartfelt care for the elderly left a deep impression on everyone present. The atmosphere was filled with warmth and joy.
President Xi Jinping visits a community elder care center in Shanghai in November 6, 2018. (Photo: Xinhua)
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People in Chengguan district of Lanzhou, Gansu Province can still recall the moment in 2013 when Xi, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, served food to an old man.
In February 2013 Xi inspected a cafeteria at a senior center in Lanzhou. He greeted the seniors there with questions like "How much does a meal cost?" "Is it expensive or not?" People hadn't expected a visit from the country's leader and they volunteered answers to his questions.
Xi inspected at lunch hour as the cafeteria was preparing dishes for the seniors.
"I shall also serve a dish to the elderly," Xi said.
Xi picked up a set meal and walked over to an old man, handing him the food with both hands.
The old man, who appeared surprised to be receiving the set lunch from Xi, said nothing but smiled.
Regardless of position or title, Xi has always focused on details such as where the elderly eat or whether they are satisfied with their conditions.
(Compiled by Sun Tianren, Zhu Yurou, Liang Xiaojian and Zou Yun)