After Deng's tour, the socialist market economy was officially adopted by the Party and the government.

An editorial in the Takungpao newspaper in Hong Kong said the visit will inject new momentum into reform.

"Deng's inspection tour to Shenzhen in 1992 significantly advanced reform and opening-up and laid the foundation for China's rapid rise. So, likewise, the visit by Xi, in the footsteps of his predecessor, will definitely inject new momentum to reform and opening-up and result in groundbreaking transformation," it said.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, and Wang Yang, Party chief of Guangdong, meet with government officials and business leaders in Guangdong province on Sunday. [Photo/Xinhua]

"The benefits arising from the trip and its consequences will no doubt facilitate and accelerate China's modernization drive and national rejuvenation."

Guangdong is also the place where his father, the late Xi Zhongxun, achieved a remarkable feat in developing the economy and improving the standard of living when he was a top official in the province in the late 1970s.

During a visit to a fishing village in Shenzhen, Xi encouraged residents to continue on the path laid by Deng.

"He told us that we should stick to the blueprint made by Deng," said Huang Xingyan, a village head.

Footage from China Central Television's primetime news program shows Xi visiting a family and talking with villagers. In the village square, he affectionately lifted up a toddler to the delight of the crowd.

Deng Guohua, a villager whose family received Xi, said the new general secretary is easy-going and cares about people's lives.

"(When Xi) saw we are leading a good life, he smiled and looked happy. He was nice and unassuming when talking to us," Deng said.

Xi also paid particular attention to the innovation shown by manufacturers.

At the Guangdong Industrial Design City, an industrial park in Shunde, Xi inspected the exhibits featuring cutting-edge design.