President Hu Jintao has greeted children on the eve of the International Children’s day by visiting a children's palace in Beijing.

The Dongcheng district Children's Palace, was founded in 1956. It’s one of the famous after-school education institutions. Many children came here to learn painting, singing, dancing, basketball and other interesting activities.

Hu Jintao joined in their classes, watched their performances and chatted with the children. The President expressed his hope that children of all nationalities in the country can enjoy their after-school time while fostering healthy hobbies.

Chinese President Hu Jintao chats with children from Shifeng of China's Sichuan Province and Yushu of?Qinghai Province, which were severely damaged by earthquakes, during a visit to the Beijing Dongcheng Children's Palace on the eve of the International Children's Day in Beijing, capital of China, May 31, 2012. [Xinhua]?

He said children are the little owners of the country and will undertake the task of constructing China in the future. He encouraged children to learn, foster good morality, do exercise and live a happy and healthy life.