Cultural recognition

Identifying with the culture is the foundation for ethnic unity, Xi noted when joining deliberations with lawmakers from North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region during the annual meeting of the National People's Congress in March.

"To forge a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation, we need to act in a concerted fashion. And more importantly, we need the people to identify with the Chinese culture," said Kong Qingju, an education official in Menyuan Hui autonomous county in Northwest China's Qinghai province.

Kong suggested that efforts should be made to boost students' recognition of the Chinese nation, Chinese culture, the CPC and socialism with Chinese characteristics.

"The fine traditional cultures of all ethnic groups are constituent parts of the Chinese culture," said Fu Jizhen, a resident from the Li ethnic group in south China's Hainan Province. A master of traditional Li spinning, dyeing, weaving and embroidery techniques, Fu said she will carry forward Li culture and boost its communication with others.

In enhancing the recognition of the Chinese culture and boosting national cohesion in Xinjiang, local governments are launching education programs and activities for extensive exchanges and communication among ethnic groups, local officials said.

Si Qin, an official in Chifeng, Inner Mongolia, said promoting educational programs on ethnic unity and progress are underway to boost cultural recognition among all ethnic groups. Herders, students, teachers, company employees will all benefit.