Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, highlighted ethnic unity during his inspection of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region on Wednesday.

Visiting a multi-ethnic residential community in the region's capital city Yinchuan, Xi was pleased to see the residents living harmoniously and happily together.

"Ethnic unity is very important," Xi said. "The 56 ethnic groups unite together to forge the community of the Chinese nation. The Chinese nation is a big family."

Xi also called for concerted efforts to advance Chinese modernization and realize national rejuvenation.