XI'AN, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping has called for more efforts to carry forward the Yan'an Spirit and stay realistic and pragmatic to build the Party.

    Yan'an, a city in northwestern Shaanxi Province, served as the CPC-led revolutionary base during the 1930s-40s before the Communist Party of China (CPC) took power in 1949.

    To promote the Yan'an Spirit, the primary thing is to adhere to correct political direction, said Xi, also a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Central Committee Political Bureau, during a tour in Shaanxi from Nov. 13 to 16.

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (2nd R) talks with family members of local farmer Fan Mingliang (2nd L) in Ansai County, during his visit in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Nov. 14, 2009

"We must also keep in mind the tenet of serving the people wholeheartedly and adhere to the spirit of ideological emancipation, seeking truth from facts and keeping pace with the times..." Xi said.

    During his trip, Xi visited a number of villages, factories, schools and research institutions. He also visited some areas which were badly hit by the catastrophic May 12 earthquake last year.

    Accompanying Xi during his tour was Li Yuanchao, member of the CPC Central Committee Political Bureau and the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, and head of the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee.