Lots of work in this article, including the historical maps.

I really like to get into a subject and answer questions that I have.

Who does Xi Jinping admire?

Just did a little reading: Mao and traditional Chinese values (Confucius) it seems. Also a general from the Northern Song Dynasty, Yue Fei. I think this last 'hero' tells us a great deal about Xi's character. The general was strategically brilliant and brave, but was ultimately betrayed by weaker, less astute people. He ultimately was killed because of that weakness.

Thanks for asking the question...I just learned something :)