KUNMING, March 20 -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, has stressed that the cultural and tourism industry should follow a path of sustainable and healthy development.

Xi made the remarks when he visited the Old Town of Lijiang in southwest China's Yunnan Province on Wednesday afternoon.

Walking along a stone-paved road, Xi occasionally paused to chat with the crowd.

"The town's culture, scenery and folk traditions are truly captivating," Xi said, adding that the integration of culture and tourism has boosted the economy.

"I wish you all happiness and good health," he said.