Every year, Chinese President Xi Jinping visits ordinary people across China before the arrival of Spring Festival. These trips, which have gradually become a tradition, are intended to highlight the emphasis on people's living standards and the direct contact between the country's leadership and the public, according to official statements.
On the morning of January 23, 2025, during an inspection trip in Shenyang city in northeastern Liaoning province, Xi visited the Dadong Food Market to check on supplies ahead of China's most important holiday. The seemingly ordinary market became a place that symbolised the President's concern for the daily lives of residents during the festive preparations.
Inside the market, the President was greeted by children who enthusiastically offered him sweets they had just bought. Xi accepted the sweets with a smile and said: „I will accept your sweets and they will sweeten my heart. I wish your life to be as sweet and beautiful as these candies.“ His simple but heartfelt words, according to those present, expressed his closeness to the people and his interest in their daily lives.
Similar visits take place every year before the Spring Festival. During these visits, Xi visits markets, residential districts and rural areas, talking to residents and enquiring about their living conditions. He focuses on employment, supply, social support and overall living standards.
Under his leadership, pre-election inspections became a firm part of political practice. The President has repeatedly stressed the need to listen to citizens and to translate their needs and expectations into concrete public policies. While the Spring Festival is traditionally a time for family reunions, it is also an opportunity for Xi to share people's joys and concerns and to pass on encouragement for the new year.
These visits have long been guided by the „people first“ principle. The official interpretation is that the face-to-face meetings are intended to strengthen the link between the government and the people and to link living standards issues to the broader development direction of the country.
According to the article, cordial encounters during the holiday season show responsibility and commitment to residents and bring a sense of support, stability and hope to people's daily lives.
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