HANGZHOU, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has highlighted the role of reform in China's adjustment to the "new normal," saying reform is the recipe for boosting development and China should maintain its "strategic focus."

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during an inspection tour from Monday to Wednesday in Zhejiang, where he was party chief of the province from 2002 to 2007.

"Our understanding and practice of the new normal have just begun," said Xi, adding efforts must be spent on solutions to adapt to the "new normal," aimed at safer and higher-quality growth. "There is always a path out, and the path is lying at our feet," said Xi.

He noted that China must unleash economic potential through reform and urged party cadres at all levels to enhance their research efforts in finding solutions.

Xi also expressed hope that Zhejiang, one of China's richest provinces, can advance in building a "moderately prosperous society," stay one step ahead in reform, opening up and socialist modernization, and continue to play an exemplary role.