Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has celebrated the traditional Chinese Lunar New Year with villagers and farmers in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

The Premier arrived there on Friday to reassure drought-affected people and direct relief work.

Premier Wen Jiabao's first stop was Donglan County, decorated with colorful lights and banners to welcome him.

He visited a high school's teacher living quarters in the county. The Premier talked with the teachers about their work and life.

Teacher Tan told the premier his monthly income has increased by more than 400 yuan since the school implemented performance-based salary.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has celebrated the traditional Chinese Lunar New Year with villagers and farmers in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.[Xinhua]

Haoyan Tun is a village of just 28 households in Dong Lan county. Premier Wen Jiabao extended New Year's wishes to local villagers on the eve of the lunar new year.

Wen Jiabao said the central government is providing 20 kilograms of water per person per day in drought-affected villages during the Spring Festival. He said after the festival, the government will try to help them prepare for spring farming.

In the afternoon, Wen Jiabao celebrated the traditional Chinese New Year with people from the Yao ethnic minority, banging drums three times to pray everything goes well for them. Wen Jiabao ate his New Year eve dinner with a farming family.

On the first day of the Spring Festival, the Premier arrived at a village in Baise city. He said he was pleased villagers' annual income has reached seven thousand yuan. He wished them prosperity in the Year of Tiger.

Premier Wen Jiabao paid his three day visit to the drought-plagued region ahead of and during the Spring Festival.

Last year's rainfall in these area was down by nearly 60 per cent on the previous year. Premier Wen Jiabao promised more fiscal support for local water projects.