Chinese President Xi Jinping conducted an inspection tour of Nantong City, east China's Jiangsu Province, on Thursday.

Xi visited Nantong after addressing a grand gathering in Shanghai that marked the 30th anniversary of the development and opening-up of Shanghai's Pudong New Area.

Binjiang was Xi's first stop in Nantong. He inspected local efforts to promote the overall environment along the shoreline of the Yangtze River, as well as the enforcement of fishing ban policies.

Binjiang, bounded by mountains along the Yangtze River, is considered a "green corridor" of Nantong. It's a significant source of water for local urban development. Several projects to restore its ecosystem have been implemented since 2016.

Recalling his tour to the area in 1978, Xi hailed the great improvement in the environment during these years. 

"Such a happy life is built by your own hands and worked out by everyone together," he said. 

On Thursday, Xi also visited Nantong Museum, where he watched exhibits introducing Zhang Jian, a Chinese industrialist and educator in the late 19th century and early 20th century.

The museum, established by Zhang in 1905, is the first public museum founded by Chinese.

Xi heard about Zhang's contributions to the development of China's domestic industries, education and public welfare undertakings.

While setting up industries, Zhang also actively started educational and public welfare undertakings that benefited villagers and had far-reaching influence.

Hailing Zhang as the sage and model of Chinese private entrepreneurs, Xi said that the museum should be built into a patriotic education base to inspire more people, especially young people.