President Hu Jintao rose early on Wednesday, to begin his tour of the Chinese capital. He greeted residents ahead of the new year, and saw for himself how they're getting along.

 

President Hu Jintao's first stop is a newly built community for low-income families in eastern Beijing.

As the New Year approaches, I want to wish you a Happy New Year early.

Officials briefed the president on planning and building low-income apartments. Hu Jintao stressed the importance of the job and called for more investment, more land supplies, better quality and community facilities.

The president later went to a government rental community. He visited the modest, cozy home of Guo Chunping, who lives with her daughter.

President Hu also visited a vegetable base. Recent price rises are a major public concern. This manager briefed him on the prices and the direct sales to supermarkets.

Officials briefed Hu Jintao on the capital's vegetable farms and the holiday supply. The President Hu said the city needs a mechanism that holds the mayor accountable for ensuring supply and reasonable prices.

The president inspected a heating facility that supples all households in eastern Beijing. He told staff to make sure of a sufficient supply during the holidays.

The tour is a follow-up to Tuesday's lecture of the CPC Central Committee's Political Bureau. President Hu then stressed the need to stabilize commodity prices, extend the coverage of the social security network and boost employment. All these are to ensure China's comprehensive, coordinated and sustainable development.