by Chris Rogers
Last updated: 10:48 AM ET, Thu March 20, 2014
Photo courtesy of www.splashnews.com
First Lady Michelle Obama arrived in Beijing on March 20, beginning a week-long trip during which she'll steer clear of politics and instead promote educational and cultural ties, according to South China Morning Post.
Obama, who also arrived with daughters Sasha and Malia and her mother Marian Robinson, is expected to spend Friday with China's First Lady, Peng Liyuan, who is admired as both a songstress and fashion icon.
(See photos of their arrival!)
Michelle will also reportedly visit the western historic city of Xian and the southern city of Chengdu, where she will visit a panda preserve.
She'll also visit American and Chinese students to promote education and cultural exchanges, and visit historical landmarks like the Great Wall of China.
According to a Xinhua commentary, Michelle's visit to China is "especially meaninful," given tensions in the US-China relationship.
"We believe that this visit will play an important role in increasing mutual understanding between the two countries and expanding friendship," Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told reporters ahead of Obama's arrival.
The president himself, meanwhile, appears to be suffering from empty-nest syndrome as he addressed an audience at the White House.
"Michelle and the girls are on their way to China; it's very lonely at home," President Obama said, according to NBC News.
What do you think of Michelle Obama's weeklong trip to China?
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