President Xi Jinping (3rd L front) visits Guizhou Machinery Industry School, a vocational college, in Guiyang, capital of southwest China's Guizhou Province, June 17, 2015. Xi had an inspection tour in Guizhou Province from June 16 to 18. [Photo/Xinhua]

While visiting an "education zone" which is home to 19 vocational colleges with nearly 60,000 students and teachers, the president described vocational education as an important part of the country's education system and urged continued improvement of it.

During his visit to Guian New District, he stressed that the planning and construction of the new district should aim for environmental sustainability as well as high standards.

Xi called for high-quality IT services and better e-commerce platforms as he inspected two IT enterprises in Guian New District.

The president urged Guizhou to pursue a new development path that was different from those for other provinces, underscoring the need of balancing economic development and environmental protection and ecological conservation.

The president advised the local government that it could improve its people's livelihood through sound management of key issues including education, medical care, social security and food safety. He also called for better care for senior citizens and rural children whose parents have left them to work in cities.

He also urged the government to coordinate grassroots political, economic and social organizations so they can all contribute to the country's development.