While extending Spring Festival greetings during inspection tours ahead of the festival, Chinese President Xi Jinping recognized the ordinary workers' contributions to the creation of a beautiful society.

On Jan 18, 2023, Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, talked via video link with passenger railway staff at Zhengzhou East Station -- one of China's largest high-speed railway stations -- in Zhengzhou City of central China's Henan Province.

"The General Secretary asked detailed questions about how we organize passenger transportation, including our measures for serving the passengers," said Zhang Hua, an employee of the station.

"The General Secretary asked about the situation of public security and relevant work we had done. We reported to the General Secretary some of our main measures, including increasing police force deployment and tightening preventive measures to ensure safe and happy traveling for the passengers," said Li Peng, a police officer at the station.

"For a long time, officials and workers of the transport departments have been working hard, taking on responsibilities and making significant contributions," said Xi to staff at the railway station.

"The General Secretary recognizes the efforts of every railway worker, to us that is affirmation and also encouragement," said Zhang.

"Seeing 200,000 or even more passengers safely reach their destinations each day, I really feel that my efforts are worthwhile," said Li.

Since his election as general secretary of the CPC Central Committee in 2012, Xi has made it a tradition to visit ordinary people across the country ahead of the Spring Festival.

"As a Chinese saying goes, 'One misses the loved ones far away all the more on festive occasions.' As we greet the Spring Festival, I care more about officials and residents working at the primary level," Xi said in the virtual talks with the general public on Jan 18, 2023.

From subway construction site, police station to sanitation center and taxi company, and from border post, express delivery station to production workshops and residential communities, the issues that bear directly on people's daily lives have been close to President Xi Jinping's heart during his Spring Festival inspection tours across China.

"The city couldn't function without workers like you. Your work meets the needs of countless households. I care deeply about you and hope you all can lead good lives and work well. I wish you a happy Chinese New Year," said Xi when talking with delivery workers during a visit to a community canteen for elderly people in Xicheng District of Beijing on Feb 10. Xi urged Party committees and governments at all levels to care for workers and provide quality services for their work, daily life and study.

"There are deliverymen, street cleaners, taxi drivers, and countless others who are working hard. We should thank these workers who contribute to the creation of our beautiful society. Their hard work is very much appreciated," said Xi in his 2019 New Year speech.

"Helping ensure that the trains leave the station on time and that every passenger arrives safely at the place they want to go, my job is quite important," said Hu Nannan, employee at the comprehensive control room of the Zhengzhou East Railway Station.

"I will keep moving forward in developing our country's larger oil and gas fields. By making contribution to China's oil and gas sector, I feel that my life here is worth it," said Xue Yong, worker of BGP Inc. under the China National Petroleum Corporation.

"Neither I nor my horse can slacken in maintaining combat readiness even during the Spring Festival holiday," said Bahebuli, a soldier stationed along a border section in Xinjiang Military District of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA).

"I can't go home for family reunion as numerous homes do across the country, but by guarding the border line well, I help safeguard these homes," said Li Yao, another soldier of the Xinjiang Military District.

From farmers in the fields to workers on factory floors, from entrepreneurs blazing the trail to service members guarding the country, people from all walks of life have done their very best, and each and every ordinary Chinese has made an extraordinary contribution, said Xi in his 2024 New Year message.

"At this time of family reunion, there are many people who are still at work, leaving their shining footprints in the great journey of building the Chinese dream together. We pay tribute to these selfless contributors!" said Xi in his speech at the 2023 Spring Festival gathering on Jan 20, 2023.