Xi brings 'mass line' message to home of revolution

President and Communist Party chief Xi Jinping visited the hallowed revolutionary ground of Xibaibo yesterday just three weeks after urging Politburo members to adhere to his "mass line" campaign to bolster public support.

In Xibaibo - the headquarters of the People's Liberation Army before its 1949 victory in the civil war - Xi cited the famous "two musts" speech by late party leader Mao Zedong , who developed the mass line leadership doctrine, state media said.

Xi reminded cadres of Mao's order to preserve modesty and prudence, while sticking to a plain lifestyle and keeping up the struggle. He said the remarks were Mao's insights on how a new ruling party could maintain a long and peaceful reign.

Xi told local officials that "revolutionary history is the best nutrition for communists".

He also toured Zhengding county in the northern province of Hebei , where he began his political career as deputy party secretary more than three decades ago.

Although the visit was later announced by state media, the first official report came from Hebei's weather bureau.