During an inspection tour of the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region in April, Xi spoke with 14 representatives from grassroots organizations to gather their opinions ahead of the 19th CPC National Congress.

The president told them he attaches great importance to the advice and opinions of people from grassroots organizations, and he urged officials to gather public opinions to aid the decision-making process at the congress.

While inspecting Mazhuang, a village in Xuzhou, Jiangsu province, in December, Xi bought a hand-made bag, paying an elderly villager named Wang Xiuying 30 yuan as a way of supporting her efforts to build a better life.

He stated that local officials must improve the transparency of village affairs and information.

Later, Wang told reporters she had been deeply moved and encouraged by the president's support. "Although I am already 80 years old, I will make greater efforts to preserve traditional culture and work with other villagers to make money," she said.