BEIJING, Feb. 3 (Xinhuanet) -- President Hu Jintao has visited Bao-ding, a major city in north China's Hebei province and met with people from all walks of life ahead of the Chinese lunar new year.

Soon after his arrival, Hu Jintao visited the city's long-distance transportation center. He greeted the workers on duty and passengers.

He also thanked young volunteers at the center and encouraged them to further contribute to society. Hu later arrived at an armed police camp in the city. He told soldiers to work hard to guarantee the country's stability.

He later attended a gala party organized by the police at the camp and joined them in making Chinese dumplings. The Chinese president then toured around Xi-shan-bei Township near Bao-ding.

The region has suffered severe drought over the past 3 months. Hu Jintao urged local officials to take concrete measures to provide necessary assistance to the farmers.