Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday afternoon inspected the cities of Anqing and Hefei in east China's Anhui Province.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visited Liuchi Alley in Tongcheng City of Anqing and Hefei Binhu Science City.

During the visits, he learned about the local efforts to carry forward fine traditional Chinese culture, promote cultural-ethical progress, advance institutional innovation of science and technology, and accelerate the application of scientific and technological advances.

At Liuchi Alley, Xi viewed the display of Tongcheng's history and culture, and noted that the alley carries the wisdom of ancient Chinese people.

Highlighting comity and peace, he called for efforts to properly address problems affecting people's well-being and resolve social disputes.

During his visit to the Hefei Binhu Science City, Xi examined an array of major scientific and technological innovations attained by Anhui in recent years and exchanged views with researchers and corporate leaders.

Noting that scientific and technological innovation is an essential path to modernization, Xi said the CPC Central Committee highly regards scientists and technologists and cherishes them immensely.

He encouraged them to take bold steps, continue working hard, and contribute more ingenuity and expertise to achieve self-reliance and strength in science and technology.

(With input from Xinhua)