Premier Wen Jiabao Sunday urged the Chinese people remain aware of possible hardships and crises in the upcoming year and to work hard for a more promising future.

Wen told Xinhua in an exclusive interview that the way ahead for the Chinese people would be "a bumpy road," but the nation had made transparent achievements in tackling the global economic downturn.

"The Chinese people have gone through so many disasters. And one eminent tradition of our nationality is to be independent and indomitable without fear," he said.

Wen said perseverance would lead to success and hoped all Chinese would make persistent efforts under the leadership of the Community Party of China and the central government.

"China has a great deal of hope in its future," he said when asked to give his New Year message to all Chinese.