BEIJING, Feb. 26 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping made a visit to Beijing's hutongs in the heavy smog on Tuesday, waving hello and chatting with residents.

The president visited courtyard homes on Nanluoguxiang Hutong, a popular tourist spot famous for its boutiques, restaurants and bars.

He stopped to ask about residents' work, salary, the materials they burn for cooking and heating, as well as how far their homes are from the nearest toilet.

"I am familiar with this region, and today, I come here to visit old neighbors and listen to your opinions on renovation of the old urban district," Xi said.

Renovation work should be carried out in accordance with residents' different aspirations and demands, according to the president, who called on the public to better understand and support the government's decision to carry out such work.

After learning of Xi's visit to the hutongs, residents crowded around him and greeted the President.

Xi shook hands with the residents and wished them a better life.

During his travels, Xi also visited a tap water processing plant, the command center of Beijing's subway and the Capital Museum.