Members of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee on Monday morning visited the Zhongguancun Science Park. [Photo / Xinhua]

BEIJING -- China's top leadership held a group study Monday in a Beijing technology hub known as China's Silicon Valley, the first time such a study has been held outside the central authority's seat at Zhongnanhai.

Analysts said the move signaled the Chinese top leadership's determination to keep in close contact with the masses and seek an innovation-driven development pattern.

Members of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee on Monday morning visited the Zhongguancun Science Park, which, after 20 years of development, now boasts about 20,000 hi-tech companies.

Situated in the northwestern part of Beijing, Zhongguancun is known as the technology hub and is often referred to as the Silicon Valley in Beijing.

Led by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, the Political Bureau members viewed world-class innovative products at Zhongguancun.

They talked with executives and scientists about research and implementation of new technologies such as additive manufacturing, cloud computing, nano materials, bio-chips and precise crop breeding.

After Wan Gang, minister of Science and Technology, explained general situation of China's science and technology innovation, the Political Bureau members discussed the innovation-driven development strategy.

Presiding over the group study, Xi stressed importance of science and technology in enhancing national strength, saying that innovation is a global trend and also a need inside the country.

"We must enhance awareness of unexpected challenges and grab the opportunity of the science and technology revolution. We cannot wait, hesitate or slack," Xi said.

China should focus on integration of innovation with economic and social development, enhance capacity for independent innovation, improve talent development, build a favorable policy environment and expand opening-up and international cooperation in science and technology, Xi said.