Grassroots governance was highlighted as Xi Jinping visited Beijing communities ahead of the Spring Festival, underscoring domestic policy priorities. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, conducted the visit on Tuesday morning in Beijing. The inspection took place shortly before the Spring Festival, which falls on February 17 this year.
During the visit, Xi toured several primary-level community facilities to assess public services and daily operations. He first visited a community canteen, where officials briefed him on food supply management and affordability. The canteen serves nearby residents, particularly seniors, as part of Beijing’s expanding community service network.
Xi then visited an apartment complex designed for elderly residents, focusing on care services and accessibility. Officials explained that Beijing currently has more than four million residents aged sixty and above. As a result, authorities have expanded senior housing, healthcare access, and community-based support programs across the capital.
Throughout the visit, Xi emphasized grassroots governance as the foundation of effective urban management and social stability. He urged local officials to remain attentive to residents’ needs and service quality. He also stressed that community-level governance plays a vital role in addressing demographic challenges.
In addition, Xi inspected a downtown commercial area to review Spring Festival market preparations. Vendors and officials discussed supply levels, pricing stability, and consumer demand ahead of the holiday. Authorities reported stable inventories of essential goods, including food and household necessities.
Xi highlighted the importance of ensuring smooth market operations during major holidays. He noted that stable prices and sufficient supplies help maintain public confidence. Officials said Beijing has strengthened monitoring mechanisms to prevent shortages and excessive price fluctuations.
Analysts said the visit reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen grassroots governance amid economic and social transitions. In recent years, China has prioritized community management reforms to improve service efficiency. These reforms integrate digital platforms, neighborhood committees, and local administrative coordination.
Experts also linked the visit to broader economic objectives supporting small businesses in urban districts. Holiday spending remains a key driver of short-term consumption growth. Retailers in visited areas reported steady customer traffic as festival demand increased.
Looking forward, officials said authorities will continue expanding elderly care infrastructure nationwide. Policymakers plan additional investments in community services and senior-friendly facilities. Xi reiterated that grassroots governance must evolve alongside changing population structures.
The visit reinforced leadership emphasis on people-centered development at the community level. By engaging directly with residents and officials, Xi highlighted the role of grassroots governance in maintaining stability. As the Spring Festival approaches, authorities aim to ensure orderly services, adequate supplies, and social cohesion.
