"It's the holiday season. I'd like to learn what people are still at work. I know that you can't have a rest even during the holiday, that's why I'm here. I'd like to extend my festival greetings to all of you who are still working during the holiday."

 

　　The Chinese leader stopped at a subway construction site in downtown Beijing and walked down to the working platform some 20 meters underground to meet with some migrant workers.

 

　　He urged more attention to be paid to the plight of migrant workers, saying they represent an important part of China's workforce and they deserve attention and care from society.

 

　　Xi Jinping also noted that developing public transport has become an important measure for treating environmental pollution, which caused lingering smog in the capital last month.

 

　　While greeting some street cleaners, the Chinese leader expressed his gratitude to their work as a Beijing resident.

 

　　"Sanitation work is a noble cause. As a Beijing resident, I'd like to thank you for your work on behalf of the city residents. I'd also like to call upon all residents to reduce waste and cut down on the garbage from the source."

 

　　Xi said the public should respect the city's cleaners and cherish the environment.

 

　　People in many Chinese cities have had a difficult time finding available taxis.

 

　　On Friday afternoon, Xi Jinping visited a state-owned Taxi company in Beijing, and met taxi drivers face-to-face, asking their views on how to make the industry better.

 

　　Most cabbies blamed a lack of available parking, high oil prices and too much intervention on the part of transportation authorities for causing issues in their work.

 

　　Xi called for efforts from both authorities and taxi companies to improve management and services.

 

　　Chinese leaders have been visiting the ordinary people in several high-profile tours ahead of the Lunar New Year.

 

　　Early this month, Xi Jinping visited elderly villagers in hinterland Gansu Province.

 

　　And Vice Premier Li Keqiang spent several days in Inner Mongolia to inquire about the well-being of migrant workers and herdsmen.

 

　　Xin Ming, a professor at the Party School of the CPC Central Committee, said the visits reflects the new central leadership's determination to put the people first.

 

　　For CRI, I'm Qi Zhi.