Vendors at Liping Market welcomed a special guest on Friday morning as they geared up for big sales before Chinese New Year.

Premier Li Keqiang visited the county market in southwest China's Guizhou province, bringing Lunar New Year greetings to the ethnic community and shopping for some snacks.

"I'm going to visit some poverty-striken families in the afternoon and I want to bring some New Year's gifts with me. What are the must-haves during Spring Festival here?" Li asked the vendors at the largest market in Liping county, a county in Qiandongnan Miao and Dong autonomous prefecture and a traditional home of the Dong ethnic group.

The market, with about 500 booths, is the major grocery provider for 100,000 residents in downtown Liping county and nearby villages.

Li bought local snacks, including sunflower seeds, puffed rice and fried sticky rice, after strolling down the market aisle crowded by local shoppers and grocery stands.

As he was about to leave, Li sent a digital balance to the manager of the market, asking him to ensure fair trading, which is key to business vitality.

"There are so many people shopping in your market, so you have to guarantee food safety and ensure the market order," he said.