HARBIN, July 24 (Xinhua) -- A senior Chinese official has called for carrying on ideological emancipation, persisting in the reform and opening-up policy, pushing forward scientific development and making new breakthroughs in promoting social harmony, to promote rapid and sound economic and social development.

    Li Changchun, a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Political Bureau, made the call during an inspection tour in Heilongjiang Province from July 20-23, in the company of the provincial CPC chief Ji Bingxuan and governor Li Zhanshu.

Li Changchun (L1), a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Political Bureau, talks to staff at Donghu community during an inspection tour in Heilongjiang Province July 22, 2008. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    He urged the northeastern province to seize the opportunity for industrial revival.

    Li visited villages, communities, factories and cultural organizations in the cities of Mohe, Heihe, Daqing and Harbin.

    In Mohe, the country's northeasternmost town, the official paid a visit to the Beiji (Polar) Village, where he learned that local villagers now have cable TV. He also visited Daqing, China's largest oil production base and Harbin, the provincial capital.

    Local governments should build more public cultural facilities, he said.

    He urged the province to deepen its cultural restructuring, support multi-talented professionals and develop cultural products with brand names that were recognized at home and abroad.

    In Daqing, Li also visited the memorial to Iron Man Wang Jinxi, an oil worker who devoted his life to the development of the petroleum industry.

    Daqing, a city built on the vast oil field, is known for the "Daqing Red Flag", a model set for all industries in the country by late leader Mao Zedong.