Diplomatic discussions and global policy debates routinely center on the political maneuvers of Chinese President Xi Jinping. Away from the formal corridors of governance, however, his private interests, dining habits, and domestic life present a distinct picture of personal routines that rarely occupy mainstream headlines. Outside his official duties, he gravitates toward straightforward regional fare, endurance athletics, and classic international literature.
A Preference for Modest Dining
One of the most notable public glimpses into his culinary habits took place in December 2013 on the streets of Beijing. In an unexpected stop, he walked directly into the Qingfeng Steamed Bun Restaurant to order an everyday lunch. His selection comprised six steamed pork and scallion buns, a single bowl of stewed liver, and a side serving of mustard greens. The entire bill for the midday meal came to just 21 yuan, which translated to around 300 Indian rupees at that time, highlighting a remarkably frugal choice for a head of state.
An earlier glimpse into his dining choices emerged in 2012 during an official tour of Fuping County in Hebei province. The menu arranged during that trip featured chicken, pork paired with garlic stalks, and a serving of seasonal garlic-cooked greens. Notably, he gave explicit instructions to the hospitality personnel that no alcoholic beverages should accompany the served courses.
Athletic Interests and Endurance Swimming
Physical fitness forms another distinct part of his routine. His athletic interests span team sports and combat events, including football, basketball, volleyball, and boxing. Above all these, he demonstrates a serious affinity for swimming. Even with an intense and crowded administrative calendar, he finds windows of opportunity to swim distances exceeding 1,000 meters in a single session. Exact details regarding the weekly frequency of these aquatic workouts remain undisclosed to the general public.
Literary Tastes Spanning Russia and Britain
Apart from sporting disciplines, literary exploration plays an enduring role in his leisure time. His reading breadth extends far beyond domestic Chinese works into world literature. He has expressed familiarity with renowned Russian novelists such as Leo Tolstoy and Fyodor Dostoevsky, alongside the iconic English dramatist William Shakespeare. These references reflect a sustained intellectual appreciation for classic storytelling across borders.
High-Profile Marriage and a Shielded Household
On the domestic front, his marriage to Peng Liyuan dates back to 1987. A prominent figure in her own right, Peng earned broad national recognition as an acclaimed folk singer and built a notable military career, rising through the ranks to become a major general in the Chinese armed forces. She regularly participates alongside her husband during high-level state events, official receptions, and diplomatic visits abroad.
The couple has one daughter, Xi Mingze, whose everyday existence has been deliberately insulated from media exposure and popular observation. Because she rarely steps into any public or official setting, verifiable information about the family's daily household dynamics remains strictly guarded and largely absent from public discourse.
