Chinese President Xi Jinping said that caring for and supporting the elderly is a shared responsibility of the whole society during an inspection tour in Beijing on Tuesday, ahead of the Spring Festival.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, came to a downtown community which was renovated to be barrier-free and age-friendly in Beijing's Xicheng District.

He visited a community canteen for seniors to learn about the meal services provided there.

He also greeted delivery workers who were taking a break at the facility, asked about their work and well-being, and commended their hard work and contributions.

Xi urged Party committees and governments at all levels to coordinate resources to expand and improve elderly care services, so as to create better conditions for the elderly to enjoy happy and fulfilling twilight years.

Xi also visited an apartment complex for seniors, where he spent time with the elderly, wishing them health, longevity and a happy Spring Festival.

"We should care for our own elders and extend that care to all elders. We must improve both elderly care and childcare," he said.

The Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year, is the most important traditional festival for the Chinese. This year it falls on Feb 17.