Deputies to the National People's Congress from Jiangsu province said on Thursday they felt the warmth of President Xi Jinping's concern for grassroots development and the livelihoods of local residents.

Xi participated in a deliberation on Thursday afternoon with deputies from the Jiangsu delegation at the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress, China's top legislature.

Shi Zhijun, Communist Party of China chief for Huai'an city, said Xi was impressed when he briefed him on the development of the crayfish industry in Xuyi county, which has played a key role in improving the livelihoods of residents.

"I was proud to share with him that the crayfish industry has also undergone technological innovation, brand empowerment and industrial chain development. In collaboration with a research institute, a new variety called 'Xuyi No 1' has been developed, which has increased individual weight by over 18 percent. About one-sixth of Xuyi's population is now engaged in crayfish-related industries," Shi said.

Yang Hengjun, Party chief of Desheng Zhongxin village in Jingjiang city, also noted Xi's pleasure at hearing about the village's transformation.

"I told him that the villagers have not only become wealthier, but are also living lives comparable to those in cities. The village now has all necessary modern facilities, such as toilets, sewage networks, natural gas pipelines and 5G networks. The water is clear, the roads are wide and the lights are bright, with every household having cars and houses. The living conditions of villagers have improved significantly," Yang said.

Zhang Yufei, Olympic medalist and head of the Jiangsu swimming team, said Xi's humor calmed her nerves when she shared her thoughts on the development of China's sports industry.

"I thought he must be extremely busy with work and might not remember deputies from the grassroots, but he immediately recognized me and told me he had watched me grow up. It's really heartwarming, and I was almost in tears," said Zhang, who has won 10 Olympic medals.

Zhang said she first met Xi at the 2014 Summer Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu, as a 16-year-old junior athlete.

"Over the 12 years, after every Olympic Games, I have always received encouragement from Xi. So, he has literally witnessed my achievements step by step. I am very happy to have the opportunity to have a face-to-face exchange with him this year," said the 28-year-old, who is currently training to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

"And after hearing his encouragement this time, I am so motivated that I immediately want to put on my swimsuit and jump into the pool to train."