With mixed feelings of excitement and nervousness, Zhao Shoucheng and his family, who live in a multi-ethnic residential community in Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui autonomous region, welcomed President Xi Jinping to their home.

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"He (Xi) greeted each of us, and we accompanied him on a tour of our house. In the study, he noticed our grandson's awards and medals, which included his achievements in sports and mathematics. He also saw the kitchen and even took a look at our refrigerator," said the 62-year-old, a member of the Hui ethnic group.

More than 18,000 people from six ethnic groups live in the residential community, and the ethnic minority population accounts for 38 percent of its residents

"We were extremely happy to receive him," Zhao said, adding that, Xi, who is a sports fan, was impressed with the awards won by his 12-year-old grandson for athletic achievements.

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The visit to the residential community on Wednesday came amid a fact-finding trip by Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, to Ningxia, which started on the same day.

More than 18,000 people from six ethnic groups live in the residential community, and the ethnic minority population accounts for 38 percent of its residents.

During his visit, Xi asked Zhao and his family about their work, income, medical insurance reimbursements, and the child's education.

Zhao said he told Xi about the efforts made by local authorities in renovating old urban residential communities and enriching residents' cultural and sports activities.

Speaking of the integration of different ethnic groups, Zhao said it has become a widespread phenomenon in cities for people from different ethnic groups to live together.

"Residents from various ethnic groups in our community live in harmony, we all live a comfortable life," he said.

By continuing to strengthen the sense of the community of the Chinese nation, the ties between people from the nation's different ethnic groups will be stronger, he (Xi) said

Xi, who had previously visited the region in 2020, stressed during his inspection that the Party is dedicated to serving the people wholeheartedly, and he cares about every household from all ethnic groups.

He highlighted ethnic unity, saying that he was pleased to see the residents living together harmoniously and happily.

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By continuing to strengthen the sense of the community of the Chinese nation, the ties between people from the nation's different ethnic groups will be stronger, he said.

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During the inspection, Xi also visited a service center at the residential community.

He noted that Party organizations in communities are the "nerve endings" through which the Party connects with people at the grassroots.

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He urged grassroots Party organizations to play a leading role in the community, focus on solving residents' urgent and difficult problems, and ensure that all services for the people are meticulous and well-implemented.

Zhao Naixiang, head of the residential committee, accompanied Xi during his inspection tour.

"He is nice and amicable, which eased my nervousness," Zhao Naixiang said, adding that Xi showed great concern for many detailed issues, spending much more time than expected to talk with the residents to learn about the most detailed aspects of everyday life that matter to them.