Xi promises better life for all minorities

Chinese President Xi Jinping visits the Bacha Village of Bacha Hezhe Township in Tongjiang, Northeast China's Heilongjiang province, May 24, 2016. Xi Jinping made an inspection tour in Heilongjiang from May 23 to 25. [Photo/Xinhua]

HARBIN -- President Xi Jinping has said that China's 56 ethnic groups are one family and none will be left behind on the road to prosperity.

China will definitely become more prosperous and quality of life will definitely improve if all ethnic groups pull together, Xi said on Tuesday while visiting a Hezhe minority village in northeastern Heilongjiang Province.

The Hezhe is one of China's smallest ethnic groups with a population of only 5,000, mostly in Heilongjiang.

The village was destroyed in 2013 by floods, and Xi has been directly concerned with its rebuilding. On learning that all villagers have new houses and their incomes have increased, Xi told villagers that the Party and government will not forget them.

At You Guilan's home, the president heard that her family earns around 80,000 yuan (about $12,200) a year just by farming and fishing.

At an exhibition on Hezhe culture, Xi watched a Yimakan performance, a unique Hezhe style of ranting storytelling that resembles rap.

Despite the rain which fell continuously during his visit, villagers gathered to see Xi off, many in traditional dress.