Zheng Liangyu, former Mayor of Shenzhen, told China Business News, a newspaper published in Shanghai, that during the 20th anniversary of Deng's tour to Guangdong, the best way to remember him is to stick to the fundamental path of reform and opening up and constantly push forward reforms in economic, social and political fields.

Economy at focus

For the last three decades, economic reform policies implemented by China have pulled millions of people out of poverty. During the same period, Chinese economy enjoyed double-digit growth of 10 percent or higher in most years. The current slowdown caused by the global financial crisis has led to outside doubt whether the world's second largest economy could continue its rapid growth sustainably.

China's economy slowed for the seventh consecutive quarter between July and September, with the national GDP growing at 7.4 percent year on year in the same period, the slowest rate since the onset of the global economic crisis in early 2009, according to official statistics released in October.

Although official data have shown rebound in fixed assets investment, manufacturing activities and retail sales in recent months, trade data remain weak, as external demand has faltered.

Difficulties and challenges—as well as advantages and positive factors—should be taken into account to promote healthy economic growth in a solid way, Xi said in a meeting with government officials and entrepreneurs in Guangdong on December 8.

In the face of complicated and fast-changing conditions, confidence and the awareness of risks are both needed to make progress while maintaining stability, Xi noted.

"We should remain cool-headed. We should acknowledge the economic and social achievements we have made so far this year and recognize that long-term fundamentals will remain sound," Xi said.

Xi also urged accelerating economic restructuring and resolutely pushing innovation forward. He described the goals as imperative and in line with trends.

Professor He sees Xi's tour as part of his field studies to prepare for the launch of new reform and opening-up policies. He told the China News Service that like other parts of China, Guangdong has also met new problems and needs to explore a new path by conducting further reforms of economic systems, management, models and guiding ideas.

"This trip intends to inspire the people and build consensus. We can expect the new Party leadership to advance China's reforms and even adopt dramatic measures in the future," said a commentary of the China News Service.

Change of style

Xi's visit to Guangdong also demonstrated a change of officials' work style, also a reform in nature. Impressed by the informality, the low-key nature of this trip and Xi's demeanor, many Web users linked his visit with a newly revealed policy to reject extravagance and reduce bureaucratic visits and meetings.

In a meeting of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee on December 4, members of the top leadership group agreed that "there should be fewer traffic controls arranged for leaders' security while on trips in order to avoid unnecessary inconvenience to the public."

According to the Shenzhen police, no road was sealed during Xi's stay in the city.

"During the 150-km trip made by Xi in Shenzhen, he was traveling with public transport, private cars and taxis, which marks the first senior official visit without issuing traffic controls," said an entry posted on the official micro-blog of the traffic management authority of Shenzhen.

Lu Yaming, CEO of a Shenzhen-based IT company, shared his encounter with Xi's motorcade in Shenzhen on popular micro-blogging site Weibo.com, saying that Xi's minibus had transparent glass and no curtains.

"It was traveling at about 60 km per hour with only one escorting vehicle when it passed by," he wrote.

Deng Guohua, whose family hosted Xi during his stay in Yumin Village in Shenzhen, said that the leader talked in a natural way, without any sense of grandeur.

Ma Zhengang, Director of the China Institute of International Studies, told Global Times published in Beijing that increased transparency will smooth communications between the government and ordinary people.

At the end of his inspection tour in Guangdong, Xi reminded local officials that the country needs vigorously active officials to build a moderately prosperous society, basically achieve modernization and realize the great renewal of the Chinese nation.

"Officials at all levels should strengthen their ideals and faith, maintain an optimistic attitude and transform their work style to create more achievements," Xi said.

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