Chinese President Xi Jinping has asked writers and artists across the country to focus on the people, and keep producing excellent works.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks in an instruction on cultural and ideological progress.

Those working in literary and art fields should record the work of the people and spread the power of positivity in their works, Xi said.

The works should also promote the Chinese spirits, strengthen the people's faith, and provide strong spiritual power for reaching China's two centenary goals and realizing the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation, according to Xi.

A commendation symposium on cultural and ideological progress was held in Beijing Wednesday. Addressing the event, Liu Yunshan, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, asked for efforts to follow Xi's instruction and produce more down-to-earth works.

Liu said the works should show historical changes and achievements made by the Party and the country since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012.

Moreover, writers and artists across the country should express the aspirations of the people in their works with great passion, while prioritizing social benefits and fulfilling their social responsibilities, he added.