Senior Chinese leader Li Changchun has asked Chinese writers and artists to produce more masterpieces to boost socialist cultural prosperity.

Li, who is a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said this in a letter to a gathering in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Friday marking the 60th founding anniversary of the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles (CFLAC).

Li said in the past 60 years, Chinese writers and artists have created many excellent works reflecting life and culture. Their works have made significant contributions to the overall development of the country.

Li urged writers and artists to actively promote the development of the country's cultural development and bring out more masterpieces.

"You should bear in mind that real life of the people are the very sources of all art works. Be close to reality; be close to life; be close to people," said Li in the letter.

(Xinhua News Agency July 18, 2009)