BEIJING, Feb. 10-- Senior Chinese leader Liu Yunshan has extended festival greetings to cultural workers across the country ahead of Lunar New Year, which falls on Feb. 19 this year.

Liu, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, visited several cultural figures in Beijing, including philosophers, calligraphers, dancers and writers on Sunday and Monday.

"Culture is a key force behind the existence and development of a nationality, and cultural prosperity is required in order to realize the dream of the Chinese nation's revival," Liu said.

Liu called on cultural workers to strengthen their confidence, uphold their artistic pursuits and to tell Chinese stories.

While urging cultural workers to root their works in ordinary people's lives and seek innovation, Liu also called on various Party and government departments to pay more attention to cultural construction and create a favorable environment for cultural talent.