HEFEI, April 29 -- President Xi Jinping has called on the younger generation to aim high and work hard to advance national prosperity and people's happiness.

Realizing the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation requires young people to aspire, generation after generation, to make continuous endeavors, said Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee. Xi made the comments at a symposium in east China's Anhui Province.

Xi sent greetings to young people ahead of Youth Day, which falls on May 4, calling them "the tomorrow of the country and hope of the nation."

Young people should dedicate their lives to building socialism with Chinese characteristics, Xi said, asking them to uphold socialist core values and work hard, without fear of difficulties, to fulfill their dreams.

He also urged them to spend their "precious youth" working hard and to continue learning, both from books and in practice.

Young people should dare to become pioneers and make the best of youth through innovation and entrepreneurship, Xi stressed.

He urged Party committees and governments at all levels to have faith in youth, care for them, guide them and provide services for their growth, innovation and career development.