Senior leaders have conducted inspection tours of northern China. Economic growth and preparations for the Paralympics were among their concerns. Ren Ting takes a loser look.

Top political advisor Jia Qinglin

Top political advisor Jia Qinglin went to the northeastern province of Heilongjiang, an important grain production base and one of the country's old industrial bases. Jia Qinglin visited both cities and rural areas. He asked the local government to increase financial support for the agricultural sector and improve infrastructure, such as irrigation systems. He also called for more technology for agricultural development. Jia Qinglin visited factories, and said the old industrial base should open more to the outside world and increase trade links to Russia.

Vice Premier Li Keqiang toured Inner Mongolia, which borders Russia. The region has close economic and trade connections with its northern neighbor. Li Keqiang talked to some local and Russian businesspeople to learn about their businesses.

Senior party official Zhou Yongkang was more concerned with services and security for the Paralympics, which begin next week. On Friday, he visited the Beijing South Railway Station, and looked at facilities for people with a disability. He said no efforts should be spared in providing the best service and security for the Paralympics. Zhou Yongkang then took a new express train to the port city of Tianjin. He inspected the train's facilities, and said the upcoming Games should lead to nationwide improvements for services for the disabled.