On October 15 and 17, General Secretary Xi Jinping visited the Gu Wenchang Memorial Hall in Fujian’s Zhangzhou and Liu Chi Alley in Tongcheng, Anhui. Each location, with its rich history, embodies shared values about public service from different eras.

During his visit to the Gu Wenchang exhibition, General Secretary Xi paused for a lengthy reflection. Gu Wenchang arrived in Dongshan County, Fujian, in 1950, when the area was plagued by harsh sandstorms and widespread poverty. At that time, the 248 square kilometer island had a mere 0.12% forest coverage.

Over 14 years as county mayor and party secretary, Gu Wenchang led local military and civilian efforts to plant trees and combat sand erosion, increasing the island’s greenery to over 96%. The relentless sandstorms that had plagued the region for centuries finally subsided, liberating the residents from generations of hardship.

Not only was Gu Wenchang dedicated to his work, but he also set an example of integrity by refusing to allow his family or associates to take advantage of his position. Throughout his long career in forestry, he never took even a piece of wood from the government. When promotions or pay raises came his way, he encouraged his wife to step aside, a practice he maintained for 33 years. His commitment to serving the people without personal gain earned him immense respect among the local populace.

Xi Jinping has often mentioned Gu Wenchang in various contexts. In his book “The New Voice of Zhi Jiang,” he noted that Gu’s enduring admiration from the public stems from his commitment to quiet dedication rather than seeking ostentatious accomplishments. During his recent visit, Xi expressed affectionately, “We should not just look up to Gu Wenchang; we must aspire to be like him in our lives and governance.”

In a different part of the country, Liu Chi Alley in Tongcheng, Anhui, also stands out for a lesson in humility, famously associated with the saying, “Why not give him three feet of space?” During the Qing Dynasty, Prime Minister Zhang Ying was known for his integrity and dedication to helping those in need. The well-regarded family of Zhang Ying had a long-standing tradition of good conduct.

According to the “Tongcheng County Chronicles,” a land dispute arose between Zhang’s family and their neighbors during Kangxi’s reign. Though Zhang’s family initially sought to leverage his status, Zhang rejected their quest for more land, replying with a poem that encouraged giving ground rather than causing strife. This act of humility led to a mutual agreement to retreat three feet, creating a spirit that defined Liu Chi Alley.

The values exemplified in the story of Liu Chi Alley—prioritizing courtesy, yielding to others, and valuing harmony—have profoundly influenced society for centuries. After visiting Liu Chi Alley, Xi remarked, “We must carry forward the traditional virtues of the Chinese nation, promoting mutual respect and resolving people’s livelihood issues.”

Both historical figures, Zhang Ying in the past and Gu Wenchang in modern times, exemplified the ideal of selflessness, transparency, and caution in the exercise of power. Xi Jinping, shaped by his own background, understands the struggles of the populace and the delicate balance between public and private interests. During his tenure in Fujian, he emphasized, “We must never forget the word ‘people’ that comes before ‘government.’”

On one occasion, while leading a delegation abroad, Xi returned with gifts from overseas Chinese. Upon returning, he diligently cataloged these gifts and handed them over as required. Additionally, during a visit to his old village, he refused local specialties meant for him, insisting on paying for his meal.

Through rain, snow, scorching heat, and rough terrain, Xi has consistently taken time to engage with local communities and respond to their needs, demonstrating his commitment to connecting with the people.

Clear delineation between public and private responsibilities is a fundamental principle. In addressing issues of conduct, Xi has remarked that some party members fail to properly manage this distinction, reminding everyone that power is a tool granted by the party and the public for public service. He has made it clear that public funds must be handled responsibly and not for personal use.

Historically, figures like Fan Zhongyan, Zheng Banqiao, Yang Shanzhou, and Liao Junbo have been frequently referenced by Xi, as they each exemplify the commitment to clear boundaries between public duties and personal ambitions.

Ultimately, the reputation built through integrity and service to the people outweighs any accolades or honors. Public service must prioritally focus on the welfare of the citizens, free from personal interests, in order to earn the trust and support of the people. This is the fundamental reason why the stories behind these historical sites continue to resonate through generations.