A look through pages from President Xi Jinping's bookshelf

President Xi Jinping reiterated his love of reading, especially classic novels, at an Oct 15 literature and arts symposium in Beijing.

Xi chaired the event, which gathered some of the country's top writers, dancers, musicians and other artists.

The president gave a speech calling upon artists to create works that are not only artistically outstanding but also morally inspiring, and he engaged in discussions with attendees.