BEIJING, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping on Saturday urged the promotion of innovative spirits and enhancement of innovative abilities in the nation.

    Xi made the call when inspecting the China Science and Technology Museum, a brand new museum to receive visitors from Sept. 20, to mark the National Science Popularization Day.

    Xi, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China Central Committee Political Bureau, encouraged children and young people to respect science and pursue truth from childhood and stay diligent and creative to improve their ability of innovation.

    He said the innovation in technology and the popularization of science were the two wings that help technology to take off.

    He urged scientists to be innovative and make breakthroughs in key technologies to give sci-tech support for the steady and fast development of the economy and effectively cope with the financial crisis.

    Xi hoped the new museum could give full play to its educational function to attract more visitors especially children and young people.

    He also called on governments at all levels to provide favorable conditions for workers and organizations of science and technology.

    China's National Science Popularization Day fell on Saturday with the theme of "save energy resources, protect environment and guarantee safety and health." About 3,200 activities are being held around the country to disseminate knowledge of science.