President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, greets people while visiting the historical and cultural block of Sanfangqixiang (Three Lanes and Seven Alleys) in Fuzhou, Fujian Province, March 24, 2021. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)

Xi went to the historical and cultural block of Sanfangqixiang (Three Lanes and Seven Alleys) in the city. He said the protection of historical blocks, ancient architecture and cultural relics is equivalent to the preservation of the city's history and heritage.

During his visit to RICOM, an optical lens company, Xi underscored the importance of independent innovation.

"We can only be in the front rank in scientific and technological development through making innovations, while following others will not work," he said. "We must accelerate our pace to achieve self-reliance in science and technology."

On Thursday morning, Xi inspected Fuzhou-based Minjiang University. At a square on the campus, Xi said young Chinese bear the responsibility of realizing national rejuvenation, calling on students to actively devote themselves to building a modern socialist China.