He made the remarks while visiting Yucun Village in the county of Anji of east China's Zhejiang Province Monday.
Xi talked with villagers at a courtyard during the visit.
Protecting mountains and waters here well will provide people a unique advantage for further economic development, Xi said.
"Ecological environment itself is the economy. All the ecological protection efforts will be rewarded," he said.
Fully building a modern socialist country includes both urban modernization and agricultural and rural modernization, Xi said, adding that China will make all-round efforts for rural vitalization after building a moderately prosperous society in all respects.
"I am convinced that Yucun Village will embrace a better future," Xi said, wishing villagers a better life.